Two weeks after the Anambra governorship election, political conversations across Nigeria are still reverberating, largely due to the unexpected outcome at the polling unit of Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi.
During the election, candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) led by incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, dominated the polls, with the APC trailing behind in second place. The Labour Party and the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—both being groomed as pillars of a national coalition—failed to make strong impressions at the ballot.
In a surprising twist, the LP candidate, George Moghalu, whom Obi personally endorsed and campaigned for, lost at Obi’s own polling unit in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area. LP secured 57 votes, while APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu clinched 73.
This result has triggered heated reactions, especially from those who expected Obi’s influence to play a decisive role in his home base. Critics argued that a politician of his stature should easily deliver a victory for his candidate, while supporters insisted the comparison was misplaced since Obi was not on the ballot.
Before the election, Obi had openly declared support for Moghalu, campaigning on the streets and mobilizing his Obidient Movement. The LP grassroots structure also announced that it had inaugurated polling unit commanders across all 5,720 units in the state.
Despite this, Moghalu struggled to gain traction at the polls.
Following the outcome, the APC in Lagos seized the moment to taunt Obi, urging him to “forget about 2027,” arguing that losing his own polling unit was a sign of diminishing political relevance. APC’s spokesman, Seye Oladejo, questioned how Obi hopes to lead a country when he allegedly failed to command support on his own street.
However, not everyone agrees with that assessment.
Barrister Emma Ibediro, former APC National Organising Secretary and member of the Igbo Agenda Dialogue, dismissed the criticisms, saying Obi’s polling unit loss “means absolutely nothing” since the former governor was not a contestant in the election.
“Peter Obi said it himself—he wasn’t on the ballot. His popularity wasn’t what was tested. When he is a contestant, then we can talk about testing his influence,” Ibediro said, adding that Obi played the role of a statesman by supporting an Anambra son without making the election about himself.
On social media, reactions were divided. Critics mocked the loss, insisting Obi’s influence is fading, while supporters maintained that Obi remains overwhelmingly popular—especially when he is the one contesting.
Some argued that Anambra voters typically differentiate between Obi’s personal bids and his endorsements, noting it happened during Willie Obiano’s re-election when Obi’s preferred candidate was also ignored.
Others insisted that 2027 will be the true measure of Obi’s political strength.
For now, the debate continues to fuel national political conversations, underscoring just how closely the country is watching every move ahead of the next presidential election.
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