As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for the 2025 Anambra Governorship election, one of the names being touted for the party’s ticket is Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, a businessman and politician with a history of party defections. However, his candidacy would be a major miscalculation, given his weak political base, inconsistency, and questionable credibility among Ndi Anambra.
Obiora Okonkwo’s biggest political baggage is his party-hopping history. Having moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APGA and now positioning himself within the APC, he lacks the ideological stability and loyalty that voters respect. Anambra electorates are politically sophisticated and view such movements as opportunistic rather than a sign of competence. A candidate without a firm political identity is unlikely to inspire confidence or loyalty among voters.
Additionally, Okonkwo’s influence is largely restricted to business circles rather than the grassroots. While he has a reputation as an entrepreneur, this does not automatically translate to political acceptability. Many voters in Anambra do not see him as a true politician who understands governance but rather as a businessman seeking political power for self-interest. His inability to connect with market women, artisans, and the youth means that even if APC fields him, the party will struggle to sell his candidacy.
His previous electoral outings also paint a picture of weak political strength. In past elections, despite his financial resources, he has failed to make any significant impact, indicating that he does not enjoy a strong followership. If the APC is serious about winning Anambra, fielding Okonkwo will be a liability rather than an advantage.
With these factors in mind, APC must look beyond Obiora Okonkwo and find a candidate who can genuinely represent the party’s interests while appealing to the grassroots. Anything less would amount to political suicide.
Anambra Leaders Forum
