Professor Obiora Okonkwo, the chairman of United Nigeria Airlines and a governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged party stakeholders to support his candidacy for the upcoming Anambra State election on November 8, 2025.
Okonkwo assured them that if given the party’s ticket, he would take full responsibility for securing victory at the polls.
Speaking at the inauguration of his campaign council in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Okonkwo stated that Anambra State needs competent leadership rather than decisions based on political sentiment.
He urged residents to reject the zoning arrangement promoted by the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), arguing that it serves only political interests rather than the good of the people.
His words: “They have started shouting zoning again and I want to tell you that they are doing this because Professor Obiora Okonkwo has declared interest in the governorship race.
”The problem we have in the state is beyond zoning. Anambra is on fire and needs a capable person to rescue the situation. All hands must be on deck to salvage our state.
”If there is any benefit in zoning, Anambra South will not be in the terrible situation the people there have found themselves since the incumbent governor is from that zone.
“Many people in Anambra South have not visited their villages in the past three years and someone is still deceiving the people with zoning. The most important thing we need to do is to find a way to move this state forward.”
Okonkwo argued that even if the issue of zoning should be brought to the front burner, the people of Anambra South had benefited most.
He added: “Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju from Anambra South held office for four years and when Professor Chukwuma Soludo completes his four years, the zone would have done eight years since 1999.
“Similarly, Anambra Central has done eight years through Mr. Peter Obi, while Anambra North also did eight years through Willie Obiano. The three zones have therefore done eight years each, and since the tenure of Senator Chris Ngige was not constitutionally recognized, every zone is free to contest.
”Besides, in all the governorship elections conducted in the state, aspirants from all the zones had participated and any winner would have been sworn in irrespective of the zone he came from.”
According to him, zoning is, in fact, an internal arrangement of APGA, which the party made when Mr. Peter Obi wanted to go for a second tenure and he promised Anambra North the governorship when he needed their support to win the election.
He added: “I have made this decision to contest as a proud son of Anambra state, driven by a deep sense of responsibility, to contribute my quota to the development of our beloved state. This is a decision I have made after deep reflection, extensive consultations with stakeholders, and a profound desire to serve.
“Anambra is a land of limitless potential, blessed with some of the brightest minds, the most industrious entrepreneurs, and the most resilient people in Nigeria. But for too long, our great state has not lived up to its full promise.
“We have watched with concern as opportunities have been lost, governance has fallen short of expectations, and the pains and horror of insecurity have left our people living in the bondage of fear. Today, our people earnestly cry for real security and progress.
“I step forward because I believe Anambra deserves the best. I believe that, together, we can build a state that truly works for everyone; a state where governance is about service to the people and not to self; a state where opportunities are created, and where prosperity is shared by all.
“I make bold to say that this is not just about a campaign; rather, this is a movement to reclaim our state from stagnation and place it on the path of sustainable development.
“Together, we can make Anambra a shining example of excellence and good governance. Together, we can re-write the story of Anambra state. Together, we can reclaim Anambra from insecurity and return it to its pre-eminent place in the history of our country.
“My vision on this movement is clear: ours is to build an Anambra that is prosperous, secure, and globally competitive; an Anambra that harnesses the potential of its people and resources to become the economic powerhouse of the Southeast. An Anambra that gives its children the freedom to develop and become what God has planned out for them.”
