ULOKA CHIBUIKE
Governor Charles Soludo’s recent remarks at Ekwulobia have sparked another round of controversy, with many suggesting his comments were directed at Peter Obi and the 2027 presidential race. But on closer examination, that interpretation does not hold. The substance of Soludo’s message was aimed squarely at gubernatorial aspirants from Anambra South, including those running on the platforms of the APC, Labour Party, and ADC, who are campaigning with the promise of serving only a single four-year term if elected.
This campaign tactic has become popular, but it raises serious questions. Political observers widely agree that any candidate offering a one-term pledge ahead of the Anambra Guber should be met with skepticism. The Nigerian Constitution provides for a two-term tenure for governors. Without any legal restriction, such candidates can easily seek re-election and use the machinery of incumbency to their advantage. Soludo simply restated a concern that “many of us” have expressed. While the zoning arrangement in Anambra is not legally binding, it is a gentleman’s agreement that has helped maintain political balance. Promising a single term may destabilize that arrangement, in his opinion.
Soludo’s statement, therefore, was about Anambra’s 2025 governorship race, not the presidency. One would expect Mr. Peter Obi to understand this and not be drawn into the noise generated by those eager to portray every political conversation in the state as a battle between Obi vs. Soludo.
There is no denying that tensions between both camps exist. Soludo’s previous “next to nothing” remark about Obi’s investment legacy and the political back-and-forth that followed have left lasting bitterness. In such a tense environment, every statement is interpreted as an attack. Still, the Ekwulobia speech was not about Peter Obi. It was a direct shot at those who are using the single-term narrative to woo voters ahead of the November 8 election.
Of course, Soludo’s political pride and deep-seated disdain for Obi likely prevent him from issuing a clarification. Rather than manage public perception, he seems comfortable allowing his critics to shape the narrative. This aligns with his past posture. He once described some section of the public as “mobs without heads” and, more recently, dismissed them as “street urchins.” Such language is unworthy of a man who has held top national positions and built an impressive academic career.
It is troubling that Professor Charles Soludo, CFR, a former Central Bank Governor and Presidential Economic Adviser, would stoop to such vulgarity. For someone of his intellect and standing, this descent into raw political street talk is unfortunate. But it may be driven by a deeper fear. Soludo served only one term as CBN Governor. His poor start to Governance in Anambra suggests he may be on course for another one-term tenure. That historical burden might explain his fierce resistance to any threat ahead of the upcoming election.
Time will tell whether his strategy pays off. But for now, it is important to view his Ekwulobia comments through the proper lens. Soludo was speaking to the politics of 2025, not casting jabs at Peter Obi or positioning for 2027.
– Uloka Chibuike (Ezemụọ)