Analysing 2025 Anambra Governorship Election | This Morning

-SEB Editorial-

The Anambra Equation - A Candidate’s Vision and the State’s Crossroads

In a riveting episode of This Morning, the spotlight turned to the upcoming 2025 Anambra Governorship Election, with retired Army Colonel and Professor of Architecture, Geoffrey O. Jabu, representing the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), taking center stage.

His appearance was more than a campaign pitch, it was a manifesto of identity, conviction, and a call for transformation.

Jabu’s narrative was layered with personal history and professional gravitas. He recounted his military and diplomatic service, his academic credentials, and his entrepreneurial ventures, painting himself as a multidimensional candidate uniquely equipped to lead Anambra. His critique of the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, was pointed and persistent. Jabu argued that Soludo’s administration had failed to deliver on its promises, particularly in areas of security, infrastructure, and youth empowerment. He dismissed Soludo’s “African Dubai Taiwan” vision as aspirational rhetoric unsupported by architectural or developmental expertise.

The conversation pivoted to Jabu’s “four rare skill sets”, security, commerce, entrepreneurship, and architecture, which he claimed no other candidate possessed in equal measure. He emphasized his hands-on experience in each domain, from commanding brigades to running educational institutions and importing electronics. His plan for Anambra included a street train system (Schnellbahn), mechanized agriculture camps for youth employment, and a radical relocation of the government house to the forests of Osu to confront insecurity head-on.

Yet, the editorial undertone of the programme revealed a deeper tension: the disconnect between credentials and visibility. Callers expressed admiration but also confessed unfamiliarity with Jabu, underscoring the challenge of recognition in a crowded political field. The host, Yori Feri, pressed on this point, suggesting that ideas alone cannot win elections, visibility and voter trust are equally vital.

Missing Perspectives

Assuming I have a guest on the programme to respond to the missing perspectives, perhaps his comments would be:

Civic Engagement and Voter Education The conversation lacked a robust discussion on how to engage the electorate beyond campaign rhetoric. What mechanisms will ensure voters are informed, not just inspired?

Women and Marginalized Voices The debate was male-dominated, with little mention of gender equity or inclusion. What policies will uplift women, youth, and rural communities in Anambra?

Institutional Reform and Governance Continuity While Jabu critiqued predecessors, there was minimal discourse on how to build upon existing structures rather than dismantle them. What is the plan for institutional continuity?

Environmental Sustainability Erosion was briefly mentioned, but broader environmental challenges, climate resilience, waste management, and urban planning, were not explored.

Digital Infrastructure and Innovation In a state known for entrepreneurial vigor, the absence of a tech-forward vision was notable. How will Anambra harness digital tools for governance, education, and commerce?

This editorial and response aim to elevate the discourse beyond personality politics and into the realm of transformative governance. If you'd like, I can help draft a debate brief or voter guide based on these themes.