By Tony Okafor, Awka
Barely one week after former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the political atmosphere in Anambra State has begun to witness dramatic realignments, as scores of aspirants for various elective positions have started printing posters, banners and campaign fliers under the platform of the new party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development, which many political observers have described as the “Obi effect,” is already reshaping political calculations across the state, particularly within the opposition bloc and among politicians seeking alternative platforms ahead of the next election cycle.
Prominent among the early movers is the Chief Executive Officer of Seahorse Group of Companies, Ebuka Onunkwo, who recently dumped the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to join the NDC in pursuit of his ambition to contest the Anambra South Senatorial seat in 2027.
Onunkwo’s posters, bearing the insignia and colours of the NDC and Obi political movement, have surfaced in parts of the Anambra South Senatorial District, sparking intense political discussions across the zone.
Political watchers in the state said the sudden rush by aspirants to identify with the NDC underscores Obi’s growing influence in Nigeria’s modern political landscape, especially among young voters and urban residents who still maintain a strong emotional attachment to his political ideology.
Investigations by our correspondent revealed that several aspirants seeking seats in the House of Representatives and the Anambra State House of Assembly have equally begun consultations with community leaders and party stakeholders under the emerging NDC structure in the state.
In Awka, Nnewi Onitsha, and Ekwulobia campaign posters bearing inscriptions such as “2027: NDC is the Answer,” “Obi Political Movement,” and “New Nigeria is POssible” have started appearing on strategic roads and public spaces.
Some political analysts believe the development may pose a serious challenge to established parties in the state, especially APGA, which has traditionally maintained a stronghold in Anambra politics.
A political affairs analyst, Mr. Chukwuemeka Ilodigwe, said the speed with which politicians are embracing the NDC indicates that many office seekers see the party as a potentially viable platform capable of altering the political equation ahead of 2027.
According to him, Obi’s entry into the party appears to have given the platform instant visibility and credibility, especially in the South, where the former Anambra governor commands a massive following.
Meanwhile, sources within APGA and other political parties disclosed that quiet concerns are already mounting over possible defections by influential politicians and grassroots mobilisers who may seek political shelter in the NDC before the election season fully begins.
Although the official campaign window has yet to open, political activities across Anambra appear to have gathered momentum unusually early, with aspirants intensifying consultations, alliances and media visibility.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the Anambra State chapter of the NDC were unsuccessful, as party officials said consultations and membership registration were still ongoing across the state.
