~ Says power must return to Anambra Central after his tenure
BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has raised the alarm over what he described as a deliberate plot by powerful political interests in Anambra State to distort the existing zoning arrangement guiding the rotation of the governorship seat among the state’s three senatorial districts.
Speaking at a multi-party solidarity rally held at the Otuocha Township Stadium in Anambra East Local Government Area, the governor warned that attempts by certain individuals to derail the zoning principle would not succeed.
Our Correspondent recalls that the zoning system was initiated by former Governor Peter Obi in the twilight of his administration, which led to the emergence of Chief Willie Obiano from Anambra North as his successor in 2014.
Following Obiano’s two-term tenure, the governorship rotated to Anambra South, producing Soludo in 2021.
According to Soludo, the understanding is that power would shift to Anambra Central after his tenure, and then return to Anambra North.
“We are not in a fight with anyone,” Soludo told the gathering, which was attended by stakeholders from across political divides.
“But some people from Anambra South, my own zone, are now claiming they will serve only one term. That’s a lie. Their real aim is to distort the zoning agreement we all agreed on. It will not work.”
The governor insisted that zoning remains the fairest and most stabilizing formula for political inclusion and balance in the state, and urged the people to resist any scheme aimed at truncating it.
“After my eight years, it is the turn of Anambra Central. We must respect the zoning pact. Anything less is injustice,” he declared.
Soludo further alleged that some aspirants eyeing the November 8, 2025, gubernatorial election were merely in the race to raise campaign war chests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“If they bring money, collect it. But we will meet them at the polls. There’s nothing to fear,” he maintained.
