On Tuesday, 27 October, Senator Victor Umeh told Channels TV that regardless of any achievements by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, former governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi will stay more popular both within the state and nationwide.
Umeh made three clear points: first, Soludo’s policies cannot eclipse Obi’s “immense popularity”; second, he accused the incumbent of dismissing Obi’s record, including claims that Obi left the state debt‑free; and third, he reiterated that a free, fair election today would have declared Obi the rightful winner of the 2023 presidential poll. He said, “Today, no matter what Soludo does, Peter Obi will continue to become more popular than him, both in Nigeria and in Anambra state.”
What sparked the rivalry?
The tension stems from Soludo’s repeated denials of Obi’s performance accolades and his vocal support for President Bola Tinubu’s re‑election bid, urging South‑East voters to shun Obi in the 2027 contest. Charles Soludo has publicly challenged narratives that Obi delivered a debt‑free administration and has highlighted his own economic reforms as superior.
How have political analysts responded?
Commentators argue that Soludo’s stance appears designed to undermine Obi’s legacy and to consolidate Tinubu’s influence in the region. They note that the governor’s attacks risk deepening partisan divides ahead of future elections.
Umeh’s view on the 2023 election outcome
Umeh asserted that the official result did not reflect the true will of the electorate, insisting that a transparent poll would have crowned Obi the winner. He positioned this claim as evidence of ongoing electoral malpractice and called for reforms to ensure future credibility.
The interview, broadcast on Channels TV, highlighted the growing contest for political dominance in Anambra and underscored the broader implications for Nigeria’s electoral landscape.