The political landscape in the South-East region is heating up as President Bola Tinubu gears up for a second term, with Governor Hope Uzodimma and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu taking center stage. These two prominent figures, both members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), are navigating their way through diverging paths towards a common goal.
Imagine this political arena as a two-track railway line cutting across the South-East region. On one track, we have Hope Uzodimma, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), known for his strategic approach to governance. On the other track is Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, bringing his unique flair to the political scene.
Their clash came to a head during discussions on appointments and party recognition within the APC in the five-state region. The tension escalated when Uzodimma attempted to appoint an outsider as chairman of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC). This move sparked controversy and led to interventions from higher authorities to maintain order.
As preparations for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign gain momentum, Uzodimma and Kalu find themselves at odds over leadership roles and strategies. While Kalu emphasizes highlighting Tinubu-led APC achievements for a successful campaign, Uzodimma focuses on securing his own political legacy post-2028.
Kalu recently launched Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) as a platform to promote President Tinubu’s accomplishments and garner support across the South-East region. He emphasized translating national achievements into tangible regional progress, rallying supporters with promises of economic growth and youth empowerment.
In his passionate address, Kalu urged stakeholders to establish Renewed Hope Councils at local levels and collaborate with SEDC outreach teams to implement grassroots initiatives based on government policies.
The unveiling of RHP drew significant attention, attracting defections from other parties like PDP, Labour Party (LP), and NNPP towards APC’s fold. The momentum behind RHP solidified its position as a key player in mobilizing support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
However, amidst these developments, Governor Uzodimma strategically positioned himself by advocating early endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term. He stressed the importance of state governors playing pivotal roles in shaping electoral campaigns—an approach aimed at consolidating support within APC ranks ahead of 2027 elections.
Despite efforts to unify party structures under President Tinubu’s banner, challenges arose when Governor Uzodimma disrupted meetings involving Anambra State stakeholders without addressing their grievances adequately. This created discord within party ranks and raised concerns about his intentions regarding key gubernatorial candidates.
Anxiety looms over how these internal dynamics will impact upcoming elections in states like Anambra—a litmus test that could shape future political landscapes across Nigeria. As stakeholders navigate through uncertainties and power struggles within APC circles, all eyes remain fixed on how alliances will shift leading up to crucial electoral events.
Leave feedback about this