As November 16, 2013 governorship election draw nearer in Anambra State, parties are preparing harder to grab the mantle of leadership in the state with many of the primaries concluded and flag bearers emerging.

Tony Nwoye recently won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary ticket with endorsement of the Bamanga Tukur-led executives, foiling the initial plans of Andy Uba and his faction. The ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) will be presenting a dark horse in person of Obialo. The recently licensed All Progressive Congress will be relying on the fame, experience and popularity of Sen. Chris Ngige, and Dr. Ifeanyi Uba for Labour Party (LP), with other candidates from parties like Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), United Peoples Party (UPP) etc.

However, analysts have started sharing their views and thoughts regarding what to expect during the election. One of them, an illustrious son of Igbo nationality, Sir Solomon Okonkwo, who is the National Chairman of Igbo Forum, said the election would be a mouthwatering affair, as he acknowledged parties weaknesses and strengths in Anambra state.

With the recent disqualification of former CBN governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, Okonkwo said the best candidate that would have helped APGA retain its governorship seat in the state has been disqualified, hence what he described as the “greatest mess” committed by APGA.

“That is the greatest mess by APGA, by whatever reason. Soludo could have been their best option of retaining Anambra after Peter Obi. Whatever was their calculation, they have messed up their chance. Let us see what will happen in the election. But I am seeing a battle royale between PDP and APGA. The candidate of APGA looks Lilliputian compare to Soludo. Remember that Ngige is flying the flag of APC. So, it is obvious that from whatever is the calculation, APGA has shot itself on the foot by kicking out Soludo, their best candidate, for a dark horse.” Okonkwo said.

Furthermore, Sir Okonkwo acknowledged that   Soludo’s rejection by APGA could spell doom for other candidates from various parties.

“If Soludo, having been humiliated by APGA, grabs the PDM ticket, or even UPP, he may create a real problem for every other candidate, because he is a strong factor in Anambra politics,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police has promised to leave no stone unturned ahead of the Anambra Gubernatorial election slated for November this year.

The Assistant inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 9 Tambari Yabo Muhammed said this while speaking with CEOAFRICA at Zone 9 Headquarters Umuahia, Abia state.

The A.I.G said that the zone has concluded arrangements to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election in Anambra state.

He noted that thousands of officers and men in the police force will be deployed to that area even from other states of the federation.

He explained that covert and overt arrangement will be made to nab thugs and hoodlums that may want to allow themselves to be used by anyone to foment trouble.

He recalled that the just concluded PDP Gubernatorial primary election in Awka was peaceful and no one was hurt throughout the primary saying that over 600 men were deployed including CP of Anambra state and himself .

He however assured the people of Anambra state that come November 16^th 2013 the governorship election will be peaceful.

All the Four Commands will prepare to assist the Anambra state command, saying that if need, more Men will be deployed to Anambra for the governorship election.  

 Also, the A.I.G disclosed that series of seminars and trainings has been organized for senior officers, including State Commissioners of Police in his Zone. This was to further fortify the force in performing their duties effectively and to educate them on modern means of tackling crimes like militancy, pipeline vandalisation, kidnapping, robbery, and many more which are peculiar to the zone.