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How the 2021 Anambra State Governorship Election Can Impact Future Elections

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5 years ago

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“Nigerians normally believe that election results do not reflect the choice of voters and that’s why they abstain” ―Ebuka Onyekwelu

The Anambra governorship election has come and gone but still, it resonates. Already there are tones of lessons that hopefully have been underscored by analysts and critical stakeholders in our democratic project and moving forward, it is expected that these lessons form the bedrock of further reforms and innovations in our electoral system. A seamless blend of technology into our electoral system has continued to be more tasking than anticipated, even as billions of public funds are expended on these efforts without convincing results.

The INEC is an apparent need to justify further expenditure on biometrics and must be sure that the technology will not be a tool of mass disenfranchisement as witnessed in the Anambra state experiment with the BIVAS, which replaced the Card Reader machine. Although, it has to be admitted that an all-inclusive, functionally responsive, suitable, and sustainable electoral system normally goes through a long process of reforms that involves trial and error before it finally evolves to become a true reflection of the people’s aspirations. In many ways, therefore, the 2021 Anambra state governorship election has provided a template for further improvements and more specific reforms tailored towards identified shortfalls in the extant electoral processes. Very clearly, the INEC has to as a matter of urgency, and for sustainability purposes, rethink its adhoc staffing process for any election. The INEC should painstakingly recruit and retain a handful of field staff during any election and retain them, rather than going all the way to recruit complete new hands every election cycle. Alternatively, they should keep a record of those who have been trained and who worked well in administering the INEC mandate and contact them during elections for further training and re-engagement.

But even beyond those, it does appear that the Anambra 2021 gubernatorial election might have a far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s politics; political evolvement, and public participation. Indeed, this would not be the first time political developments in Anambra are shaping national polity and strengthening our democracy. In 2006, Anambra became the very first state where a sitting governor, who is also a member of the national ruling party, was sacked by court. Before then, it was nearly unthinkable. That’s not all because, in 2007, Aso Rock anointed governor of Anambra, again of the ruling party, was sacked by the court.

These two audacious court judgments set precedence and revived the judiciary as a veritable partner in Nigeria’s democratic project. Before then, the judiciary was largely regarded to exist for the pleasures of Abuja. The developments have had an immense impact on Nigeria’s democracy such that recently, Zamfara and Bayelsa states where the current ruling party won governorship election, were lost to the opposition party. I have made these references to affirm that the long-lasting impact on the electoral system and improved democratic experience for the people, is not solely tied to electoral reforms or solely the duty of the electoral umpire. By implication, the politics, quality of contestants or candidates, fair and firm judiciary, consciousness level of voters, among others, can and do have a profound effect on democracy and elections; both primary and general elections.

While policy-driven reforms are suitable for enforcement of rights in the electoral process, summation of attitudes of key stakeholders and behaviours of key political actors, including major contestants in an election, leaves major landmarks that either renew the people’s faith in their government or dampen their desire which plunges the system in deeper uncertainties and mistrust, as well as frustrates chances of growth. In other words, when an election outcome reflects the noble aspiration of the people, chances are high that the people will be more confident in the government’s ability to do the right thing. But when quality and due process is in doubt, trust withers and this further diminishes any hope of making a significant impact by the people, in their electoral and democratic system.

The just-concluded governorship election in Anambra state might strengthen voters’ confidence because; the election outcome generally, is a reflection of the people’s wishes. Nigerians normally believe that election results do not reflect the choice of voters so they argued that’s why they abstain, feeling justified. But in reality, it is public abstinence from the political process that fuels electoral malpractices. For instance, an election in which the choice of voters is overwhelming and clear, the election result can hardly be rigged. It, therefore, stands to reason that political apathy is a major boost to election fraud. Of late, people always use Imo state as an example that votes do not matter and that the choice of voters in an election is inconsequential. But in truth, how can it be assessed if the people did not vote?

Election or, in fact, democracy is a journey rather than an automated system wherein everything works out perfectly. Instead, it is a process of continuous engagement and improvements especially when the system is subjected to trial through dutiful engagement by the people and in courts. Through these trial processes, the system gradually becomes a better version of its old self. For instance, since 2011, the transparency level of our electoral system has tremendously improved. As of now, every polling unit has the result of that unit publicly counted in the unit and signed by party agents, security operatives, while duplicate copies are issued to them and another pasted on the wall of that unit, all these done in the open. What this means is that it is increasingly difficult to manipulate polling unit election results, more so, if the voters themselves are actively involved by coming out to make their choice. In this regard, what the Anambra governorship election has done is to energize voters to be part of the election process and make their choices without any fear of manipulation. Hundreds of thousands of Anambra voters showed uncommon courage by coming out to cast their votes amidst disturbing security concerns. The implication for the rest of Nigerian voters is that there is really no excuse to stay away from voting, considering how desperate Nigeria’s situation is and how urgent the leadership needs to be changed.

The governor-elect, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is a public intellectual and a well-known figure, reputed for high-quality public service. What this says is that the best hands that can be found in Nigeria actually stand a chance at winning elections in Nigeria. Why this is important is because the winning election is the first and most difficult huddle to cross in any attempt to clean up our system or articulate development option. You have to first of all win so that you can affect any change from within. The reality is that people cannot rise above the quality of leadership they have because no man or woman can give what they do not have. Therefore, what the election would trigger is a new hope that some of our bests can actually go through the demanding and sometimes deforming political process and emerge victoriously. Although it took Prof. Soludo about twelve years, which in itself is a lesson in consistency and a pointer that our best who desire to serve must persevere and never lose focus or faith, and they will have their chance if they persist. This is a major takeaway capable of generating an important sanitization of our polity.

♦ Ebuka Onyekwelu, strategic governance exponent,  is a columnist with the WAP

 

 

 

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Education

Professor Josephine Onyido Earns Prestigious Nigerian Academy of Education Induction

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1 week ago

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September 26, 2026

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University of Port Harcourt scholar will be inducted into Nigeria’s apex education academy in Abuja, marking another milestone in a career spanning teaching, research, leadership, mentorship and advocacy

HOUSTON, TEXAS — Professor Josephine Azuka Onyido, an accomplished scholar and academic leader at the University of Port Harcourt, will be inducted into the Nigerian Academy of Education on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in recognition of her contributions to the advancement of education.

The ceremony, scheduled for the Conference Hall of the National Commission for Colleges of Education in Abuja, places Onyido among scholars recognized for sustained contributions to education, research, and academic development in Nigeria.

A Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of Port Harcourt, Onyido has built a career encompassing teaching, research, administration, mentorship, curriculum development, and institutional service.

She described the forthcoming recognition as both an honor and a renewed obligation to education. “I receive this recognition with profound gratitude and humility. My journey in education has always been driven by the belief that scholarship must extend beyond the classroom and contribute meaningfully to society. This induction is not simply a personal achievement; it strengthens my responsibility to continue advancing quality education, mentoring future scholars, and promoting opportunities for women and girls. I am deeply grateful to my family, colleagues, students, and everyone who has been part of this journey.”

Onyido earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education (English), a Master of Education, and a Ph.D. in Sociology of Education. She is also a permanent member of the University of Port Harcourt Senate. Her scholarly record includes more than 90 journal articles, book chapters and Sociology of Education Made Easy, a textbook developed to make concepts in the discipline more accessible to students.

Much of her research examines the intersection of education and society, with particular emphasis on gender, women’s empowerment, educational development, social justice and the rights of women and girls. Her work advocates translating academic research into policies and practices that expand educational opportunities and strengthen human-capital development.

Beyond research, Onyido has occupied several academic leadership positions. She served as Acting Head of the Department of Educational Foundations from 2021 to 2023 and has worked as the Departmental Coordinator of Postgraduate Programs, the Anti-Plagiarism Coordinator, the Academic Adviser, and the Editor of the Port Harcourt Journal of Education Studies.

Her influence also extends beyond her university. She has served as an external examiner for several institutions and has participated as a resource person for the National Teachers’ Institute, the University of Port Harcourt, the Centers for Higher Education and Sandwich Programs, and the National Universities Commission verification exercise.

Internationally, Onyido represented the Niger Delta Development Commission at the African Women in Leadership Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, expanding her engagement with issues of women’s leadership, empowerment, and social transformation.

She belongs to several professional organizations, including the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, the Association of Sociologists of Education of Nigeria, and the International Association for Gender Equity.

Her academic and community work have earned numerous recognitions, including the Millennium Development Ambassador Award, Lecturer of the Year, Outstanding Project Supervisor, and Professional Service awards.

Yet Onyido’s story also reaches deeply into heritage and service. She is the great-great-granddaughter of King Josiah Constance Ockiya, MINGI VII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom and Supreme King of Brass. Her great-grandfather, Rev. Daniel Ockiya, translated the Bible into the Nembe language.

A committed Catholic and Jerusalem pilgrim, she has also served in church and community leadership positions and was recognized by the Catholic Women Organization of the Port Harcourt Diocese as a “Quintessential Woman.”

For Onyido, the November 4 induction represents more than another distinction on an extensive academic résumé. It recognizes a career built around an enduring principle: education achieves its greatest value when knowledge is transformed into opportunity, service, and social progress.

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Houston

PCNI Elevates Chief Dr. Emmanuel Opara to Patron in Historic Ihiagwa Investiture

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1 week ago

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September 26, 2026

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Sugar Land People’s Club leaders celebrate their First Vice Chairman’s December 22 investiture, describing the honor as recognition of leadership, scholarship, service, and commitment to the enduring ideals of the People’s Club

HOUSTON, TEXAS — All roads will lead to Ihiagwa, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, on December 22, 2026, as members, associates, and well-wishers of People’s Club of Nigeria International gather for the Patronship Investiture of Hon. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Uzoma Opara, First Vice Chairman of the Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (SLPCNI).

The ceremony will mark another milestone for the Sugar Land branch, historically recognized within the organization as its First International Branch, and will elevate one of its senior officers into the distinguished circle of PCNI patrons.

Since its inception in 1971, the People’s Club of Nigeria has developed into an international social and philanthropic organization with branches in Nigeria, the United States, and Europe. Its tradition emphasizes fellowship, community service, and the principles of Love, Unity, and Service.

Within that tradition, patronship carries significance beyond a ceremonial title. Patrons are expected to serve as senior advisers, custodians of institutional values, and respected voices in sustaining the organization’s heritage and direction. The recognition is traditionally associated with sustained service, leadership, and commitment to the Club and society.

For Opara, the honor also recognizes a professional life extending far beyond community leadership.

An academic and technology specialist, Opara’s scholarly interests span cybersecurity, digital and media forensics, artificial intelligence, and Agentic AI. His research includes digital forensic investigation, incident response and threat analysis, memory analysis, advanced-adversary containment and intrusion detection, including applications of Python programming.

His work also engages with memory forensics and investigative technologies, as well as the offensive and defensive dimensions of cybersecurity, commonly characterized as Red Team and Blue Team operations.

Opara is a Fellow of the International Information Management Association (FIIMA) and serves as an Associate Editor of the Journal of International Technology and Information Management (JITIM).

Reflecting on the forthcoming investiture, Opara described the recognition as a responsibility rather than simply another distinction.

“I receive this honor with profound gratitude and humility. Patronship represents a responsibility to protect the values that have sustained People’s Club for generations: love, unity, service, and genuine fellowship. Whatever we achieve professionally becomes more meaningful when we use our knowledge, experience, and resources to strengthen our communities and create opportunities for others. I look forward to serving the Club at an even greater level.”

Grand Patron of SLPCNI, Hon. Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu, said Opara’s elevation reflects the leadership qualities expected of those entrusted with preserving the organization’s legacy. “Chief Dr. Opara represents the combination of intellectual accomplishment, community service, and organizational commitment that the People’s Club should continue to encourage. Patronship is not merely about recognition; it carries an obligation to guide, support and protect the institution. We are proud that another leader from our Sugar Land family has earned this important honor.”

Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman of SLPCNI, said the investiture demonstrates the depth of leadership within the Sugar Land branch. “This is a proud moment for Sugar Land People’s Club. Chief Dr. Opara has distinguished himself through service, scholarship, and dedication to our organization. His investiture strengthens our branch while reinforcing our connection to the national and international People’s Club family. We congratulate him and look forward to celebrating with him in Ihiagwa.”

The December gathering is expected to draw PCNI leaders, patrons, members, family, friends, and community representatives from Nigeria and abroad. Beyond the pageantry of the ceremony, however, Opara’s investiture carries a broader institutional message: leadership within the People’s Club is ultimately measured by service.

On December 22, Ihiagwa will host the celebration. But for Sugar Land, the occasion will also be a celebration of one of its own—a scholar, technology professional, and community leader entering a new chapter of responsibility in the People’s Club tradition.

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Houston

Membership Surge Continues as Dr. Nkem Ugwu Joins People’s Club

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2 weeks ago

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September 20, 2026

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Following a successful induction ceremony, the First International Branch continues to attract new members drawn to its tradition of friendship, service, culture, and community

SUGAR LAND, TEXAS — The Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (SLPCNI) is continuing its membership expansion following its recently concluded induction ceremony, with Dr. Nkem Ugwu becoming one of the latest community members to join the organization.

Ugwu, a Sugar Land resident originally from Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, is an entrepreneur and mother of three sons, a mother-in-law, and a grandmother. She describes service to others, family, and community engagement as important parts of her personal and professional life.

Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu addressing the September Conference of the Sugar Land PCNI

Her membership comes on the heels of the branch’s successful bi-annual induction ceremony, during which 16 new members were formally sworn in by PCNI National President Atty. Fidelis Onyebueke. The celebration attracted national leaders, patrons, and members representing branches from across the People’s Club network.

Photo from left: Hon. Chief Sir Michael Okeke; Hon. Anaeto Okakpu “Oranwezuluaku”; Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu; Hon. Dr. Nkem Ugwu ; Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman; Hon. Chief, Sir Basil Mbuba; Hon. Chief Sir Dr. Uche Egbuchuam “Akudo World Wide.”

Ugwu said joining the organization provides an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships while contributing to its mission.

“I am truly excited and honored to join the prestigious People’s Club of Nigeria International, Sugar Land Branch. I look forward to getting to know fellow members, building lasting friendships, and becoming actively involved in this vibrant and welcoming community. I am especially drawn to the Club’s tradition of fellowship, service, and mutual support, and I hope to contribute my experience, energy, and passion for serving others to its continued growth.”

Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu welcomed Ugwu, describing continued interest in membership as encouraging for the historic First International Branch.

Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe and Hon. Ndidi Chidume

“When people of accomplishment and community spirit continue to identify with our organization, it tells us that the values upon which People’s Club was built remain relevant. We welcome Dr. Ugwu and look forward to the experience and fellowship she brings to our family.”

Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman, said the branch’s recent induction helped showcase an organization that continues to combine Nigerian cultural heritage with community engagement in Houston.

“Our successful induction created tremendous enthusiasm, but our focus goes beyond ceremonies. We are building a stronger organization rooted in friendship, responsibility and service. Dr. Ugwu’s decision to join reflects that continuing momentum.”

One of the meeting hosts, Hon. Professor Keih George, introduces the co-meeting hosts.

Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe said the branch remains interested in individuals prepared to participate actively in its programs and fellowship.

“Membership is about belonging, but it is equally about participation and contribution. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ugwu and other prospective members who share the principles and aspirations of People’s Club.”

For SLPCNI, the growing interest following its induction represents another chapter in the evolution of a branch with a special place in the organization’s history.

And for Ugwu, it marks the beginning of a new journey—one centered on friendship, community, and service.

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