A Rejoinder to David Eleke’s “Will APC Abide by Existing Zoning Formula in Anambra?
In 2025, Anambra’s governorship election will remain an open competition where candidates from different political parties, regardless of their origins in the state, will compete. This assertion challenges the recent report by my colleague and friend, David Eleke, titled “Will APC Abide by Existing Zoning Formula in Anambra?”, published by This Day. I have numerous reservations about the substantial gaps in David’s argument.
His deliberate effort to elevate the zoning narrative created an imbalance that undermines the core of his thesis from a neutral perspective.
Firstly, David’s argument on zoning in the APC or Anambra State hinges on the opinions of Obinna Tony Amaefuna, referenced as “Pope Amaefuna,” and Dr. Justine Ogoo Nwankwo, both of whom are actively engaged with one of the two aspirants in the APC discussed in the piece. While their opinions are informed, their involvement introduces a bias that compromises the neutrality of the zoning argument.
David’s article aimed to address whether APC will adhere to an “existing zoning formula” in Anambra’s upcoming governorship election. However, his analysis admits that there has never been a formal zoning arrangement in the state. For instance, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife from Anambra South handed over to Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, also from Anambra South. In 2003, Peter Obi from Anambra Central succeeded Chris Ngige from the same zone, contradicting the notion of an existing zoning formula.
Furthermore, in the 2013 and 2017 elections, candidates from all three senatorial zones contested without any formal zoning constraints. Willie Obiano’s election in 2013, for example, involved contenders from the Central and South zones, demonstrating that zoning was not a decisive factor. Even in the 2021 elections, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s candidacy from Anambra South was not based on zoning but on his qualifications.
Zoning, as a concept, was introduced in 2012 by then-Governor Peter Obi, who advocated for a candidate from Anambra North to achieve regional balance. Despite this, the 2013 and subsequent elections continued to see candidates from various zones, highlighting that zoning has not been a steadfast practice.
In conclusion, there is no existing zoning arrangement in Anambra State, and political parties have not formally endorsed it. The 2025 governorship election will, as always, be an open contest. Candidates from different parts of the state will vie for the position, with the winner determined by their merit and political support, not by their geographic origin.
As Noam Chomsky posited, “It is the job of intellectuals to speak the truth and expose lies.” In this spirit, it is crucial to acknowledge that zoning has no firm roots in Anambra politics, ensuring that the upcoming election will remain a fair competition.
