CHUKWUEMERIE UDUCHUKWU
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, popularly known as Ikukuoma, stands as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, yet his campaign appears to be floundering in a sea of missed opportunities and missteps. Despite the formidable challenge he faces in a state historically dominated by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ikukuoma has made little to no effort to shift the narrative in his favour or present a compelling vision that could disrupt the status quo of Anambra’s governance. His campaign, thus far, has been characterized by a troubling lack of substance, leaning heavily on criticisms of the incumbent administration without offering tangible solutions to the state’s challenges. Opposition, as many political analysts would agree, is not merely about pointing out flaws in the ruling government but about articulating a clear, actionable alternative that resonates with the electorate. Unfortunately, Prince Ukachukwu’s approach has fallen short of this standard, leaving ndị Anambra without a reason to believe that his leadership would herald meaningful change.
Take, for instance, his repeated assertions that the state government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo demonstrates a poor understanding of urbanization. Such a claim, while bold, rings hollow when not accompanied by a concrete plan to transform towns like Okpoko, Onitsha, Ekwulobia, and Nnewi into cleaner, more organized urban centres. Urbanization is a complex issue, requiring innovative policies on infrastructure, waste management, housing, and economic development. If Ikukuoma believes the current administration has failed in this regard, it is incumbent upon him to present a blueprint that outlines how he would address these shortcomings. Would he invest in modern waste management systems to make Okpoko cleaner ? Would he propose public-private partnerships to revitalize Onitsha’s commercial hubs? Would he prioritize affordable housing in Ekwulobia or industrial expansion in Nnewi? Ndị Anambra deserve answers to these questions, yet Ikukuoma has offered none, leaving his criticisms to float in the realm of rhetoric rather than reality. By failing to provide a viable alternative, he undermines his own credibility and reinforces the perception that his campaign lacks the depth needed to challenge APGA’s dominance.
Moreover, Prince Ukachukwu’s campaign has not adequately addressed why ndị Anambra should consider the APC a better alternative to the incumbent administration’s efforts. Governor Soludo, despite facing his own criticisms, has implemented several positive steps, including infrastructure projects, efforts to improve security, and initiatives to boost the state’s economy. For Ikukuoma to gain traction, he must convincingly articulate why his vision surpasses these achievements. What specific policies would he introduce to build on or outdo Soludo’s road construction projects? How would his administration enhance the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund development without over-relying on federal allocations? Why should ndị Anambra trust the APC, a party that has struggled to establish a foothold in Anambra’s political arena, over APGA, which has long been seen as the state’s political landlord? These are questions that demand clear, persuasive answers, yet his campaign has been eerily silent on such matters, choosing instead to dwell on broad criticisms that fail to inspire confidence.
A particularly troubling example of Ikukuoma’s missteps is his recent criticism of the closure of the Onitsha Drug Market, a decision driven by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This closure, aimed at curbing the sale of fake and adulterated drugs, was a move to protect public health, an objective that should align with any candidate claiming to prioritize the wellbeing of ndị Anambra. However, his response suggested a focus on the financial losses faced by traders rather than the critical issue of public safety. His failure to consult with NAFDAC, an agency funded and supported by the APC-led federal government, before issuing his critique is particularly worrisome. This oversight creates the impression that he is more concerned with pandering to traders for political gain than addressing the serious risks posed by counterfeit drugs. A candidate genuinely invested in the state’s welfare would have championed NAFDAC’s efforts to sanitize the market, perhaps by proposing measures to support affected traders while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Instead, his stance risks painting him as someone who prioritizes profit over public health, a perception that could further alienate voters already sceptical of his candidacy.
Insecurity, a persistent challenge in Anambra, is another area where Prince Ukachukwu’s campaign has fallen short. His frequent criticisms of the state’s security situation, while not entirely baseless, lack the depth required to convince ndị Anambra that he offers a better solution. Pointing out flaws in the current security structure is easy; identifying specific weaknesses and proposing actionable improvements is far more difficult. While it is understandable that detailed security plans should remain confidential to avoid tipping off criminal elements, Ikukuoma could at least highlight a major flaw in the existing setup. Perhaps a lack of coordination between local vigilantes and state police, or inadequate funding for security personnel training and suggest how he would address it. For example, he could advocate for increased investment in technology-driven surveillance or community policing initiatives. Instead, his critiques remain vague, leaving voters to wonder whether he has a genuine strategy to tackle insecurity or is simply using the issue as a political cudgel. Furthermore, while it is commendable to call for regular seminars to train security personnel like the Agunechemba Security Personnel, a serious candidate should not reduce themselves to the role of a commentator. Governance demands proactive leadership, not just reactive criticism.
Another critical area where Prince Ukachukwu has failed to distinguish himself is in addressing the state’s infrastructure challenges, particularly the provision of durable roads. Anambra’s road network, while improving under Soludo, still faces issues of maintenance and expansion, especially in rural areas. Ikukuoma and his campaign team have a responsibility to outline how they would deliver quality infrastructure with the state’s limited resources. Would he prioritize public-private partnerships to fund road construction? Would he explore innovative financing models like tolling or federal grants? These are the kinds of details that could set him apart, yet his campaign has been conspicuously silent on such matters. While it may not yet be time for the official release of his manifesto, his uphill battle against APGA’s entrenched influence demands that he start engaging voters early with a clear, compelling vision. Waiting too long risks reinforcing the perception that his candidacy is a wild goose chase, unlikely to sway ndị Anambra from their loyalty to the incumbent party.
Perhaps most perplexing is Prince Ukachukwu’s recent foray into portraying himself as a prayer warrior rather than a capable administrator. Videos circulating online show him engaging in spiritual displays, which, while potentially appealing to a segment of the electorate, do little to address the practical challenges facing Anambra. In a state that is witnessing tangible progress in infrastructure and security under Soludo’s administration, such tactics come across as misguided at best and disingenuous at worst. Ndị Anambra are not looking for a spiritual leader but a governor who can deliver results, someone with a clear plan to build on existing achievements and address lingering gaps. By focusing on prayer over policy, Ikukuoma risks portraying himself as a political scam, someone more interested in theatrics than governance. This approach raises serious questions about the quality of his advisers, who seem to have misread the priorities of Anambra’s electorate. Instead of spiritual posturing, he should be publishing detailed policy proposals, engaging in town hall meetings, and leveraging media platforms to convince voters that the APC offers a superior alternative to APGA. His failure to do so only reinforces the perception that his campaign lacks the seriousness required to challenge the status quo.
The road ahead for Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and the Anambra APC is anything but a tea party. With APGA’s entrenched dominance and Soludo’s proactive governance, the APC faces an uphill battle that requires strategic, practical politicking. Yet, Ikukuoma’s campaign has been marked by photo ops, dramatic media shows, and a troubling absence of substantive policy proposals. Even the national leadership of the APC and the presidency have shown little enthusiasm for his candidacy, a sign that he must work doubly hard to prove his worth. Rather than relying on empty criticisms or spiritual theatrics, Prince Ukachukwu must focus on articulating a clear, compelling vision that addresses Anambra’s challenges such as urbanization, security, infrastructure, and public health in a way that resonates with ndị Anambra. Only then can he hope to change the narrative and convince voters to take a chance on the APC. Until he does so, his candidacy risks remaining a footnote in Anambra’s political history, a cautionary tale of missed opportunities and misguided priorities.
– Chukwuemerie Uduchukwu, an indigene of Nnewi, Anambra State, writes from Abuja, Nigeria.