SWOT ANALYSIS OF THE CANDIDATES OF THE...

Report prepared by Abiodun Ajijola Election Monitor

[email protected] | 08185982258 http://electionmonitorng.blogspot.com/

26th October 2013

SWOT ANALYSIS OF THE CANDIDATES OF THE 2013 ANAMBRA STATE

GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION

S W O T A N A L Y S I S O F T H E C A N D I D A T E S O F T H E 2 0 1 3 A N A M B R A S T A T E

G U B E R N A T O R I A L E L E C T I O N

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Disclaimer ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

1.0 Objective ................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.0 Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................. 6

3.0 Brief History of Anambra State ................................................................................................................. 8

3.1 Historical Development ......................................................................................................................... 8

3.2 Location ................................................................................................................................................ 8

3.4 List of Tertiary Institutions in Anambra State ........................................................................................ 9

3.5 Demographics ..................................................................................................................................... 10

4.0 Profile of the Candidates ........................................................................................................................ 11

4.1 Senator Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige .................................................................................................... 11

4.1.1 Brief Profile .................................................................................................................................. 11

4.1.2 Career .......................................................................................................................................... 11

4.2 Chief Dr. Willie Maduabuchi Obiano ................................................................................................... 13

4.2.1 Brief Profile .................................................................................................................................. 13

4.2.2 Career .......................................................................................................................................... 13

4.3 Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah ...................................................................................................................... 15

4.3.1 Brief Profile .................................................................................................................................. 15

4.3.2 Career .......................................................................................................................................... 15

4.4 Comrade Tony Okechukwu Nwoye .................................................................................................... 18

4.4.1 Brief Profile .................................................................................................................................. 18

4.4.2 Career .......................................................................................................................................... 18

5.1 Why SWOT Analysis? ........................................................................................................................ 20

5.2 Senator Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige (APC) ......................................................................................... 21

TABLE OF CONTENTS




5.3 Chief Dr. Willie Maduabuchi Obiano (APGA) ..................................................................................... 22

5.4 Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah (LP) .............................................................................................................. 23

5.5 Comrade Tony Okechukwu Nwoye (PDP) ......................................................................................... 24

6.1 Votes Cast on Election Day ................................................................................................................ 25

6.2 Governorship Debates ........................................................................................................................ 25

6.3 Closing Round of Campaigning .......................................................................................................... 26

List of Figures

Figure 2.0 Map of Nigeria highlighting Anambra State………………………………………………………… 6

Figure 2.1 SWOT Matrix……………………………………………….…………………….……………………. 7

Figure 3.1 Federal Senatorial District Map of Anambra State……………………………………………..…. 8

Figure 4.1 Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige APC Governorship Candidate……………………..………………... 11

Figure 4.2 Chief Dr. Willie Maduabuchi Obiano APGA Governorship Candidate………….………………… 13

Figure 4.3 Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah LP Governorship Candidate…………..………………………………….. 15

Figure 4.4 Owelle (Prince) C. Nicholas Ukachukwu PDP Governorship Candidate...…...………………….. 18

List of Tables

Table 3.1 Population Distribution of Anambra State……………………………………………………. 10




AMAC – Abuja Municipal Area Council

APC – All Progressives Congress

APGA – All Progressives Grand Alliance

INEC – Independent National Electoral Commission

LGA – Local Government Area

LP - Labour Party

PDP – Peoples Democratic Party

SWOT – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

Disclaimer

Although the author has researched the material presented in this document as thoroughly as possible, he assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or inaccuracies contained therein. No liability can be accepted for any losses or expenses incurred as a result of relying on information given.

ACRONYMS




1.0 Objective

This document was prepared to provide a comparative analysis of the four leading candidates of the 2013 Anambra State Gubernatorial Election. The methodology used for the comparison is the SWOT Analysis tool. This document is not intended or designed to favour any particular candidate.

2.0 Executive Summary

Figure 2.0 Map of Nigeria highlighting Anambra State

Anambra is a state in south-eastern Nigeria. Its name is an anglicized version of the original 'Oma Mbala', the native name of the Anambra River. The Capital and the Seat of Government is Awka. Onitsha and Nnewi are the biggest commercial and industrial cities, respectively. The state's theme is "Light Of The Nation". Boundaries are formed by Delta State to the west, Imo State and Rivers State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi State to the north. The origin of the name is derived from the Anambra River (Omambala), which is a tributary of the famous River Niger.

The indigenous ethnic group in Anambra state are the Igbo (98% of population) and a small population of Igala (2% of the population) who live in the North western part of the state.

Anambra is the eighth most populated state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the second most densely populated state in Nigeria after Lagos State. The stretch of more than 45 km between Oba and Amorka contains a cluster of numerous thickly populated villages and small towns giving the area an estimated average density of 1,500–2,000 persons per square kilometre.1

2013 is a very important year for Anambra State, South-East Nigeria and even the Nation as a whole. This is because the Anambra State Gubernatorial Election is scheduled to hold on the 16th November 2013. This election will probably be the most keenly contested election Nigeria has witnessed since the 2011 General elections. This is because there are four major political parties putting forward strong candidates towards the elections. There are however 22 political parties fielding candidates who have been approved by INEC but there are four front-runners, which are the focus of this document. The parties given the greatest hope of succeeding in the election are the All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party (LP) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Each of these parties is a major political force to contend with and thus this creates the stage for an exciting and stimulating election.

The purpose of this document is to take a look at the candidates, their political parties and conduct a




SWOT Analysis of each of them. Traditionally a SWOT analysis (alternately SWOT Matrix) is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses/Limitations, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective. The technique is credited to Albert Humphrey, who led a convention at the Stanford Research Institute (now SRI International) in the 1960s and 1970s using data from Fortune 500 companies. However this document seeks to apply the SWOT methodology to the candidates and their political parties. A summary of how this will be done is as follows:

Figure 2.1 SWOT Matrix

Strengths: characteristics of the candidates and their political parties that gives them an advantage over others

Weaknesses (or Limitations): are characteristics that place the candidates and their political parties at a disadvantage relative to others

Opportunities: external chances to improve performance in the environment

Threats: external elements in the environment that could pose as challenges for the candidates and their political parties2

The Names of the candidates for the four major political parties taking place in the election are as follows:

Senator Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige - All People’s Congress (APC)

Dr Willie Obiano - All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)

Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah - Labour Party (LP)

Comrade Tony Okechukwu Nwoye - Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

The document will also give tips to all the candidates’ in order to ensure a successful outcome at the eagerly awaited Televised State Gubernatorial debates scheduled to hold before the elections.

It must be noted that this document is non-partisan and does not in any way seek to promote one candidate or political party over another. The author of this document does not bear any liability for the information provided as they have been obtained from reputable and freely available sources.




3.0 Brief History of Anambra State

3.1 Historical Development

Figure 3.1 Federal Senatorial District Map of Anambra State

Anambra possesses a history that stretches back to the 9th century AD, as revealed by archaeological excavations at Igbo-Ukwu and Ezira; Great works of art in iron, bronze, copper, and pottery works belonging to the ancient Kingdom of Nri, revealed a sophisticated divine Kingship administrative system which held sway in the area of Anambra from c. 948 AD to 1911.

During the Nigerian/Biafran war, a relief airstrip, was constructed by Biafran engineers in the town of Uli/Amorka (code named "Annabelle"). Extremely dangerous relief flights took off from Sao Tome and other sites loaded with tons of food and medicine for the distressed Biafran population. Uli/Amorka airstrip was the site where brave American pilots like Alex Nicoll, and scores of others, made the supreme sacrifice in the service of humanity, delivering tons of relief supplies to the Biafran population. Disgusted by the suffering and mounting death toll in Biafra from starvation as well as the continuous harassment of the relief planes by the Nigerian Airforce, Carl Gustaf von Rosen resigned as a Red Cross relief pilot and helped Biafra to form an Airforce of five Minicoin planes Malmö MFI-9 stationed at the Uga airstrip. He named his tiny but effective airforce "Babies of Biafra" in honour of the babies who died via starvation inside Biafra.

Old Anambra State was created in 1976 from part of East Central State, and its capital was Enugu. A further re-organisation in 1991 divided Anambra into two states, Anambra and Enugu. The capital of Anambra is Awka.1

3.2 Location

Anambra state’s boundaries are formed by Delta State to the west, Imo State and Rivers State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi State to the north.

SENATORIAL DISTRICTS

NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH LGA BOUNDARY




3.3 Administrative Areas

The apex of the administrative structure is the state headquarters, Awka. There are twenty-one LGAs in Anambra State. The 21 LGAs are listed below:

• Aguata • Awka North • Awka South • Anambra East • Anambra West • Anaocha • Ayamelum • Dunukofia • Ekwusigo • Idemili North • Idemili South • Ihiala • Njikoka • Nnewi North • Nnewi South • Ogbaru • Onitsha North • Onitsha South • Orumba North • Orumba South • Oyi

3.4 List of Tertiary Institutions in Anambra State

• Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka a federal university with College of Medicine situated at Nnewi. The UNIZIK Nnewi runs a modern Teaching Hospital with facilities also at Umunya and Ukpo.

• The Anambra State University, formerly known as Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH), with two campuses, one in Uli, and another at Igbariam;

• The Federal Polytechnic, Oko; • Nwafor Orizu University of Education (formerly known as the Nwafor Orizu College of

Education), Nsugbe. • Private Universities include The Tansian University, Umunya and Madonna University, Okija




3.5 Demographics

The Population Distribution of Anambra State can be seen in the following table:

Table 3.1 Population Distribution of Anambra State3

Local Government Area Male Female Total

Aguata 187,262 182,710 369,972

Awka North 77,539 74,610 152,149

Awka South 85,833 81,470 167,303

Anambra East 142,961 141,254 284,215

Anambra West 57,219 54,973 112,192

Anaocha 96,902 92,752 189,654

Ayamelum 81,065 77,087 158,152

Dunukofia 49,476 47,041 96,517

Ekwusigo 80,053 78,376 158,429

Idemili North 219,223 211,782 431,005

Idemili South 105,830 100,986 206,816

Ihiala 152,200 150,077 302,277

Njikoka 73,869 74,525 148,394

Nnewi North 77,517 77,926 155,443

Nnewi South 118,532 114,830 233,362

Ogbaru 115,678 107,639 223,317

Onitsha North 61,588 64,330 125,918

Onitsha South 71,348 65843 137,191

Orumba North 84996 87777 172,773

Orumba South 93199 91349 184,548

Oyi 85694 82507 168,201

TOTAL 2,117,984 2,059,844 4,177,828




4.0 Profile of the Candidates

4.1 Senator Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige

4.1.1 Brief Profile

Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige was born on August 8, 1952, into the family of Chief Pius O. Ngige (Akunnia), and late Mrs. Priscilla N. Ngige, (nee Okafor) of Alor Town in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

A crusader for social justice, he always goes on the conviction that division based on issues is to be preferred to unity based on hopelessness. This accounts for his doggedness in standing firm by his people in periods of trials and tribulations, especially during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State.

He is happily married to Dr. Evelyn N. Ngige, a Consultant Pediatrician, and the union is blessed with three children (two boys and one girl).

4.1.2 Career

Below is a summary of Dr. Ngige’s professional career:

Medical Officer, National Assembly Clinic, 1980-82; Physician to the Senate, 1983; Physician of Senate House/Federal Government Special Guest House, 1985-93; Consultant in charge, Federal Government State Clinic, the Presidency, Abuja, 1992-93; Consultant and Assistant Director, Federal Medical Centre, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, 1997-98; Member of the ministerial task force on the completion of the University of Nigeria Hospital (UNTH), Enugu State, 1996-98;

His political career is also quite interesting. Dr. Ngige turned to politics, becoming a founding member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). By 1999, he was Assistant National Secretary and Zonal Secretary of PDP in the South East region of the country.

In 2003, he was elected governor of Anambra State in controversial circumstances. He quickly broke ranks with his political godfather, Chris Uba brother of Andy Uba, after an unsuccessful attempt on 10 July 2003 to have him removed from office, through a fabricated letter of resignation which the state assembly accepted. However, in August 2005, an election Tribunal led by Justice Nabaruma nullified Ngige's 2003

Figure 4.1 Senator Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, APC Governosrhip Candidate




victory. He appealed to the Nigerian Federal Court of Appeal, but the annulment was confirmed on 15 March 2006, in a judgment awarding victory to Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). No further appeals were possible, and Ngige accepted the judgment in good grace, calling on the people of Anambra to give their total support to his successor. Ngige's 33 months in office were characterised by populist programmes, especially road construction, leaving him in good standing with the electorate.

Following Peter Obi's subsequent impeachment, Ngige attempted to participate in state governorship elections in April 2007, but was disqualified, even after a Federal High Court had voided the disqualification. In the final event, Obi's impeachment was overturned anyway, and Obi served out his four years.

On February 6, 2010, Ngige again contested for the governorship of Anambra State. Other notable politicians who contested with him included Andy Uba, Charles Soludo, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, Ralph Nwosu, and the incumbent governor, Peter Obi. In all, there were 25 candidates for that election. Peter Obi won that election and started his second term as the governor of Anambra State.

In April 2011, Ngige ran for election for Senator of Anambra Central, on the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) platform. After voting problems in some areas of the constituency on 9 April, the election in these areas was held on 25 April and Ngige was declared the winner over former Minister of Information and Communications Professor Dora Akunyili of the APGA, with 69,765 votes to Akunyili's 69,292.4




4.2 Chief Dr. Willie Maduabuchi Obiano

4.2.1 Brief Profile

Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano was born 56 years ago in the oil-bearing Aguleri town, in Anambra North Senatorial District to an educationist father and an entrepreneurial mother. A remarkable child, young Willie inherited both genes of his parents, eventually becoming an exemplary scholar and a successful banker and entrepreneur.

Following in the footsteps of his father, young Willie Obiano embraced early education. He started from the mission schools where he imbibed his early Christian values and preceded to the prestigious Christ the King’s College, Onitsha where he showed a remarkable academic promise and passed out as one of the best students in his time. He gained admission to the University of Lagos to study Accountancy and graduated with a Second Class Upper Division Honours.

4.2.2 Career

Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano holds a B.Sc. Second Class Upper in Accounting from Unilag (1979) and an MBA in Marketing also from same university. Chief Willie Obiano is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

Chief Willie Obiano was John F. Kennedy Essay Winner 1974 at CKC and holds a national Merit Certificate for outstanding service during his NYSC(National Youth Service Corps) in Benue State, Nigeria in the 1979/80 Service Year. Chief Willie Obiano is the President AMP8 (Advance Management Programme) of Lagos Business School for Ten years running. Chief Willie Obiano is also a 2006 BNV (Building New Ventures) CLASS member of Harvard Business School, Boston USA.

His community, Aguleri, conferred on Chief Willie Obiano and his wife in year 2000, separate chieftaincy titles for distinguished service. Chief Willie Obiano is currently the president of Aguleri Council of Chiefs.

On January 2nd 2011, Chief Willie Obiano and his wife Chief Mrs. E V Obiano were adopted into the cabinet chief, Igwe-in council of the Idigo dynasty of the ancient kingdom of AGULERI. This high Chief investiture made Chief Mrs. E V Obiano, the only female in the hundred and twenty years Idigo dynasty, to be so honoured. They were also conferred as The Otunba Atayese and Erelu Atayese by Oba David Adegboyega Oyewumi (Faseemi ll) Obadu of Ilemeso- Ekiti.

Chief Willie Obiano started his banking career as Officer in First Bank in 1981 from where he moved to Texaco Nigeria Plc as Accountant. Chief Willie Obiano was promoted 4 times in his eight-and-half-year-

Figure 4.2 Chief Dr. Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, APGA Governorship Candidate




service at Texaco to become Chief Internal Auditor. Chief Willie Obiano is a specialist in Bunkering, Lube-blending and Refinery Audits. Chief Willie Obiano was part of the team that audited Texaco Refinery in Rotterdam, Netherlands in 1989.

Chief Willie Obiano joined Fidelity Bank from Texaco in 1991 as Deputy Manager and head of Audit. Chief Willie Obiano was promoted Manager in 1991, Assistant General Manager in 1993, Deputy General Manager in 2000 and General Manager in 2002 and Executive Director in October, 2003. Between 1991 and 2002, Chief Willie Obiano headed the following Groups, Divisions, at one point or another: Inspection and Audit; Operations and Information Technology; Division Head, Commercial & Consumer Banking; Division Head, Eastern Market. Other areas include Financial Control, Risk Management and Transaction Support, Corporate Finance, and Non Bank Financial Institutions.

Chief Willie Obiano was part of the great team that saw Fidelity Bank through the Bank's Consolidation process.

Chief Willie Obiano is a no nonsense tactician that you cannot miss in a crowd.

As Executive Director of the Mega Fidelity Bank (and No. 2 man), Chief Willie Obiano is in charge of Business Banking (Corporate Banking, Non Bank Financial Institutions, Treasury, (Naira and Foreign Exchange, Oil & Gas, Telecom & Food and Beverages, Transport and Aviation). All the Regional Managers of the bank report through him to the MD/CEO.

Chief Willie Obiano has attended numerous banking courses including the following:

• Credit & Trade Services Course - Citi Bank, New York (1994) • Treasury and Money Market - NatWest, London (1996) • Correspondent/Trade Services/ • Emerging Market Course - FIM Bank, Malta (2002) • Managing Integration Process - Houston Texas 2006.

Chief Willie Obiano is married with a beautiful daughter and a young son. More about Chief Willie Obiano would be revealed as we go into the campaign.5

DD




4.3 Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah

4.3.1 Brief Profile

Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah was born on September 3, 1971 to the humble, working class family of Mr. & Mrs. Alphonsus Ubah of Umuanuka in Otolo, Nnewi. Being born to parents who were both teachers, Ifeanyi and his siblings had very humble beginnings. They endured material deprivations, which the children of teachers suffered and still do.

His parents provided for their family’s needs with their meager salaries and a fervent trust in God. They inculcated in him the virtues of deep faith in God, honesty, hard work, leadership, and innovativeness.

His father distributed what little he made for the education of his children and other relations. While attending OMGS in Nnewi, Ifeanyi saw his father struggle and, as the first son, chose to take on responsibilities beyond his years in order to lessen the burden on his father and help provide for the Ubah family, made up of three older sisters and three younger ones.

When he communicated this decision to his parents and siblings, this was the first time he ever saw his father cry, expressing his frustration that he as a teacher was unable to fund the education of all his children by himself, and his concern about the risk of an uncertain future for his son. Ifeanyi demonstrated courage and assured his father that he would make him proud, and that not only would he eventually shoulder the responsibility for the entire family’s upkeep, he would pursue his education and develop himself intellectually.

In honouring this promise, and reflecting his tireless pursuit of excellence, he has continued his quest for knowledge and attended several local and international courses and seminars in leadership and business management. As a result of his creative leadership, his economic ideas, and his entrepreneurial ingenuity, he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Management Technology (DMT) by the Federal University of Technology Owerri, in Imo State and an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Critical and Creative Thinking from Montclair State University, New Jersey, USA. He is in the process of completing the prestigious Owner/President Management Program at Harvard University, Boston, USA.

4.3.2 Career

A look at his early years reveals how Ifeanyi rose swiftly from apprenticeship at the age of 16 to running a very successful regional business at the age of 18. He travelled to Ghana and throughout Africa to expand his business and increase trade for Nigeria. By the age of 19, he made his first million naira.

Figure 4.3 Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, LP Governorship Candidate




He emerged, quickly, as a significant player in the tyre export trade from Nigeria to Ghana. He was among the biggest suppliers of tyres to Ghana traders such as Kingsman Enterprises. From Ghana, he expanded his business in Nigerian trade into Liberia and Sierra Leone. Unfortunately, the war that began in Liberia affected his business and he returned to Lagos. He then expanded his business, which now included the supply of auto parts to the Congo (DRC). His leadership qualities led him to become the president of the Nigerian community in the DRC at a young age. He took responsibility for catering for his business and for the welfare of all the Nigerians in the DRC, including taking responsibility for feeding thousands of Nigerian refugees who fled from Congo Brazzaville. His company continued to grow, becoming a major importer of automotive spare parts in the DRC. He also attended international trade shows such as Automotive Industrial Week in Las Vegas, USA and Automechanika in Messe Frankfurt, Germany. He extended his business activities into England, Belgium, South Africa, Dubai and other parts of the world. He did business with large companies in South Africa, including: AE, Payen, Kolben Co., and the AngloAmerican Industrial Corporation. In Belgium and London he did business with companies including Banque Belgolaise (Brussels) and AE Automotive Parts (Leeds, UK). Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, who started with nothing, had built a business empire beyond his dreams, and was now expanding into the field of oil and gas. He established Capital Oil SPRL in the DRC, through which he imported oil and gas from Ibeto Petrochemical Nigeria and supplied the biggest transporters and industrial establishments as well as governmental agencies such as the national railway. In South Africa, he did business with Chevron Oronite and Elit South African Pty Limited. With the help of his mentor, Cletus Ibeto, who supported his business and further tutored him on the oil and gas climate in Nigeria, he invested his growing resources from his successful business enterprises to expand his operations in Nigeria, creating Capital Oil & Gas Industries Ltd and thousands of jobs. The company was founded in 2001, and by 2003/2004 it had extended into haulage, transportation and petroleum products retail. One by one, he built three of the largest oil and gas depots in all of Nigeria and acquired a fourth. By 2011, Capital Oil Group’s depot facility was the largest in Nigeria, with a combined capacity to berth 3-6 vessels simultaneously and 32 loading arms. The group today accounts for about 30% of daily petroleum products distribution in Nigeria, employs a work- force of over 3,000, and has caused the creation an additional 1,000 related jobs. He led his company to own the largest fleet of marine vessels, barges and tug boats in Nigeria, including a large fleet of oil tankers. In order to decongest truck tankers from Lagos roads, Ifeanyi Ubah built a truck park capable of holding 1,100 trucks simultaneously. In his drive to lower fuel prices for Nigerians, he has acquired land to build the first private refinery in Lagos and has made a presentation to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and is currently awaiting approval. Today, Ubah’s core business is oil and gas trading, port and harbour investment in the African continent.




He also invested in property and real estate development, telecommunication, commodities importation, financial institutions, and hospitals. He sits on the board of several companies, including:

• Knoll & Hachfer Engineering Co Ltd • Chevron Oronite & Chemical Co Ltd • Hero Communications Ltd • First Nigeria Independent Oil Co Ltd • Commodity Giants Nigeria Limited • Capital Group Congo S.a.rl. in the Congo DR • Oil Force Nigeria Limited • American Hospital Ltd

Ubah led the building of strategic regional reserve depots within the geopolitical zones of Nigeria: Suleja in Niger State, Funtua in Katsina State, Enugu State, Warri and Koko in Delta State. These developments have created thousands of jobs for Nigerians, mostly youths. He believes that “wealth and job creation is an art and empowerment is an obligation.” Ifeanyi is fondly called “Ebube Chukwu uzo” meaning “Placing God First”. Ifeanyi is also a philanthropist. Driven by a desire to give back to society, he established the Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, which gives students free university education, drills boreholes for communities, installs electricity transformers, repairs and constructs roads, provides free fuel to the popular “Okada” riders and bus drivers every Monday in all his filling stations. He is building an ICT Centre for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and has built and donated a student hostel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He has built and fully equipped with state-of-the-art tech a 160 seating capacity ICT centre for the Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna. He is also building a 3,000 seat Catholic Cathedral for the Nnewi Diocese. He was a lead donor in refurbishing St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Umuanuka Otolo, Nnewi, his home church, and has generously donated N60 million for the acquisition of the Bishop’s Court for the Anglican Diocese of Awka. He has also materially supported bishops and other clergymen of various religious denominations across Anambra State. He has distributed kerosene to all the regions of Nigeria - including areas in turmoil – in order to alleviate the plight of the poor masses, who would have no access to these products otherwise. A family man, Ifeanyi Ubah is married to Uchenna Ubah, a graduate of Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaira.6




4.4 Comrade Tony Okechukwu Nwoye

4.4.1 Brief Profile

Comrade Tony Okechukwu Nwoye was born to the family of Chief Lawrence and Mrs. Christiana Nwoye of Offiantta Village, Nsugbe in Anambra East Local Government of Anambra State. He was born, a twin, on the 13th September 1974 as the 4th child in Chief Lawrence Nwoye's family at Waterside Hospital, Onitsha.

He attended Metropolitan Secondary School, Onitsha. From there he attended University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus where he enrolled with the college of Medicine. He completed his quest for medical studies at the College of Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki for his M.B.B.S. While at Enugu campus, in 1998 Tony Nwoye contested and won a seat to represent Medical Students at the university of Nigeria House of Representatives, Student Union. That same year, he was elected the Speaker of the Student Union House of Representatives making him the first medical student to hold that office in the history of UNN's Student Union Government. As at 2000 – 2004, Tony Nwoye was already a Household name in youth and student movement. He led many struggles in pursuit of student and youth welfare.

4.4.2 Career

As at 2000 – 2004, Tony Nwoye was already a Household name in youth and student movement. He led many struggles in pursuit of student and youth welfare. By December, 2003, he was elected the National president, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

By that his election, Tony yet broke another record as the first Igbo student to hold that office till date since the inception of NANS. Tony Nwoye served the Federal Republic of Nigeria in various capacities, some of which are

2004: Member, Presidential Committee against illegal arms and violent crimes.

2005: Member, National Political Reform Conference (Constitutional Conference)

2005: Member, Federal Committee on 2006 Census.

Figure 4.4 Comrade Tony Okechukwu Nwoye, PDP Governorship Candidate




2005: Leader of the Nigeria Delegation to the World Youth Summit in Venezuela

2006: None Executive Director, Hadejiya Jamaare River Basin Kano, Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

On political front, Tony was already cutting his teeth. In 2005, he was elected the Assistant Secretary of PDP in Anambra State, a position he held till 2006. While holding that office, he was beckoned to occupy the vacant of the office of the State Chairman of PDP in Anambra State. He assumed the office of the State Chairman of PDP from 2006-2009 and work assiduously for PDP in the 2007 general elections. By 2010, he was again called upon by his people to represent them. He contested and won the seat to represent Anambra East/West Federal Constituency at the National Assembly. He won the seat but his Certificate of Return was issued to another person who never contested. As a believer in rule of law, he proceeded to court to challenge the action. He won on July, 13th 2011, court declared him as the winner of the 2011 general election into Anambra Eats/West Federal Constituency. He is therefore currently a Member House of Representatives Elect having been issued with Certificate of Return by INEC on 16th July, 2012.

Tony Nwoye is the owner and non-executive Director in Vintage Consolidated Limited, limited liability Company that deals in construction, engineering and building. He is a trustee of many NGOs some of which includes: Women and Children Enhancement Initiative, Ejima Nwoye Initiative – an NGO. Tony Nwoye is a devoted Christian and married with children.7




5.0 SWOT Analysis of the Candidates

5.1 Why SWOT Analysis?

Traditionally a SWOT analysis (alternately SWOT Matrix) is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses/Limitations, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective. The technique is credited to Albert Humphrey, who led a convention at the Stanford Research Institute (now SRI International) in the 1960s and 1970s using data from Fortune 500 companies. However this document seeks to apply the SWOT methodology to the candidates and their political parties. This is because the 2013 Anambra State Gubernatorial Election is so keenly contested, only a tool such as the SWOT Analysis will help to clearly differentiate the positions and competencies of each candidate and their respective political parties as relates their chances of winning the election. A summary of how this will be done is as follows:

Strengths: characteristics of the candidates and their political parties that give them an advantage over others.

Weaknesses (or Limitations): are characteristics that place the candidates and their political parties at a disadvantage relative to others.

Opportunities: external chances to improve performance in the environment.

Threats: external elements in the environment that could pose as challenges for the candidates and their political parties.




5.2 Senator Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige (APC)

STRENGTHS

• He is a well-respected personality across the whole of Anambra State and the nation at large.

• He has prior political experience in the state as a former governor and a serving senator.

• The .APC is a very well funded party which will be able to support Dr Ngige’s campaign fully which is critical in electoral success.

• Because of his first tenure as Governor and various achievements, the APC candidate has huge support bases across the state (he is extremely popular).

• He is the only one of the four leading candidates who hails from Anambra Central Senatorial District, which has the second highest number (586,221) of registered voters (as of the 2011 voter’s register).

• Because of Dr. Ngige’s past, he is seen by many as having conquered godfatherism, which many Anambrarians say they want out of their State.

WEAKNESSES

• There are a number of disgruntled politicians who feel slighted over the manner in which Dr Ngige emerged as candidate of the .APC. While some have defected to other parties some may still remain within the party but may not offer total support to Dr Ngige’s candidacy. Most notable amongst them are Chief Godwin Ezeemo who is now with the PPA. Senator Annie Okonkwo who is still in the APC stepped down for Dr. Ngige in the APC primaries but issues have arisen between the two political gladiators.

• The APC is viewed by a lot of people in Anambra as a party from outside and many don’t see it as the party of Anambra State people. The ‘deportation’ of some destitute Nigerians by Lagos State Government (which is APC controlled), did not help matters either.

OPPORTUNITIES

• A lot of people have high esteem for Dr. Ngige and many attest to his previous works. This presents him with a unique opportunity to capitalize on his performance and competence as exemplified by his first shot at governance.

• A number of voters in Anambra say that they want change. Dr. Ngige represents change from APGA.

• Even though Dr. Ngige is from the Central Senatorial District he has massive support in Northern (e.g. Onitsha North and South, Ogbaru LGAs, and Southern (Nnewi North and South, Orumba North and South) LGAs as well.

• He is personally not associated with scandals, which is evidenced from the fact that he is very well spoken of.

THREATS

• The greatest threat to the APC candidate is the wrong perception of his party by Anambrarians.

• The popularity of the incumbent Governor, Mr Peter Obi is not in doubt. He also hails from the Central Senatorial District, which means that he can use his influence and structures to deliver votes for the APGA candidate, which will reduce votes for Dr Ngige primarily, since he hails from the same senatorial district.




5.3 Chief Dr. Willie Maduabuchi Obiano (APGA)

STRENGTHS

• Incumbency is clearly the greatest advantage of Dr Willie Obiano. The current state of politics in Nigeria makes it very difficult to unseat an incumbent. However incumbency in this case is a bit different because Mr Peter Obi is the current governor but would probably wish for his party to remain in power. For that reason alone, the APGA candidate has a significant advantage over his counterparts. All the campaign resources and structures open to Governor Obi are equally open to Chief Obiano.

• He has tremendous professional qualifications, which show his prowess as an administrator.

• APGA is the most popular party in the state especially as many Anambrarians see it as the only indigenous party.

• APGA has a very strong, functional grassroots structure across the state.

• He hails from the North Senatorial District, which as of the 2011 voters’ register had the highest number of voters in the state (596,246). §

WEAKNESSES

• He is not a household name in the state and has not been involved in active politics in the state.

• His campaign seems to be on the move but he is still not very popular amongst voters. The major reason is likely to be because most voters don’t know him.

• Based on the Election Monitor Pre-election Opinion poll, he seems to have more support from male than female voters. Because women are key players in the electoral process, they cannot be taken for granted.

• He is not currently perceived as the candidate for the youths. This perception gap could have serious impact on his candidacy considering the fact that youths form the bulk of the electorate.

OPPORTUNITIES

• Mr. Peter Obi is a relatively popular governor and has given APGA a fairly good name in the State. This is favorable for the APGA candidate who can ride on this.

• State media, advertising agencies and other infrastructure are easily accessible since APGA is the ruling party.

• The Governor Peter Obi led administration has executed several projects which many people of the state can identify with and which have an emotional connection with the voters. The current high rate of disbursement of funds for projects by the APGA government is very strategic and will have a positive impact on the perception of the voters about APGA.

• A number of voters are clamouring for continuity because of their disposition to the current government. Chief Obiano represents continuity.

THREATS

• The part of the electorate which wants change may not be favourably disposed to a candidate who represents continuity.

• He hails from the North Senatorial District, which is the same district as that of Comrade Tony Nwoye. These two gladiators will most definitely share votes which makes it a bit more difficult to garner majority votes.




5.4 Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah (LP)

STRENGTHS

• Dr Ifeanyi Ubah is clearly the most publicized candidate so far in the Anambra governorship elections. There is hardly a place in Anambra State where his candidacy is not known.

• The Labour Party has 362 functional offices across the State, which have been in place since March 2013.

• He has tremendous business experience with the most famous of his businesses being Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited. In fact in some parts of Nnewi he is referred to as ‘Capital’.

• He has executed a plethora of philanthropic projects to his community and other beneficiaries across the State and country. This has given him a soft spot amongst the electorate.

• If any candidate can be called the candidate of the youths, that person is Dr Ubah. His support base is primarily from voters under the age of 35 who also form the bulk of the voting population.

• He has a lot of support amongst women, transporters and traders.

WEAKNESSES

• There are some ‘perceptions’ that his business dealings have not been too ideal. This was brought to the fore because of the public row between himself and Mr Cosmas Maduka. Many people don’t know the details of the altercation but that does not stop them from forming their opinions. It is important for Dr Ubah to make his position on the matter clear because some voters could easily be misinformed.

• His campaign needs to connect with people on a more fundamental and intellectual basis. Hype is superficial and may not deliver comprehensively on Election Day.

OPPORTUNITIES

• For voters who want a change in government from the past, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah represents that change since he is young, dynamic and has no prior political antecedence.

• Because of his gargantuan wealth a number of voters believe that his aim of becoming governor cannot be to loot money since he already has plenty of it.

• Many voters believe that he can translate his business savvy into political success for the state.

• He is the only candidate amongst the four leading candidates who emerged from his party without misgivings from other aspirants. This has allowed him and his campaign to hit the ground running which he has taken full advantage of.

• He is the only leading candidate from the South Senatorial District. This provides him with a huge opportunity to secure maximum votes in this District.

THREATS

• Some voters are of the opinion that Dr Ubah is a moneybag that thinks his money can buy him the Anambra governorship seat. This is more common amongst the older voters and is precarious if allowed to go unchecked.

• Converse to some other voters, there is the perception by some voters that anybody who can spend so much money for a campaign will undoubtedly seek to recoup his investment on ascent into political office.

• It seems some members of the LP campaign are fair-weather members who are receiving benefits from the party but still pitching their tents with other candidates. Loyalty amongst the rank and file of members is crucial.

• His popularity amongst professionals, the elite, and voters in the North Senatorial District is not too encouraging. This needs urgent attention.

• He hails from the least populated (in terms of the 2011 registered voters) Senatorial District in the State (528,594 registered voters).




5.5 Comrade Tony Okechukwu Nwoye (PDP)

STRENGTHS

• He is an experienced politician and is currently a Member House of Representatives Elect having been issued with Certificate of Return by INEC on 16th July 2012.

• He has tremendous experience in student unionism and activism which makes him very attractive to the youths.

• He has great grassroots mobilization experience.

• The PDP is the wealthiest party in Nigeria and has huge resources at its disposal to pursue campaigns vigorously.

• The PDP has structures across the state, which are being positioned to ensure electoral success.

• He hails from Nsugbe in Anambra North Senatorial District. This is the same district that the current Governor Mr Peter Obi has said deserves to rule the state.

• He receives total support from the PDP National Executive.

WEAKNESSES

• He does not have as much statewide popularity as some other candidates.

• The PDP has been involved in a series of crises in Anambra State and the party could not even agree to field a candidate for the governorship election. It took INEC relying on a court judgment to confirm his candidacy. This means that the party is not unified and aspirants who lost out may not be willing to support Comrade Nwoye’s candidacy.

• His late commencement of campaigning means that he is at a significant disadvantage to his co-aspirants.

OPPORTUNITIES

• For voters who want a change in government from the past Comrade Tony Nwoye is a possible option, since he has not held any executive position in the State before.

• Since Anambrarians are very interested in the personal qualifications of their candidates as opposed to their parties alone, Comrade Tony Nwoye’s deep political experience (especially in the area of youth mobilization) provides a unique opportunity for him to attract the electorate.

• The PDP has the largest number of members of the National Assembly in the State. These party stalwarts can lend a helping hand to Comrade Nwoye since they have influence in their constituencies.

THREATS

• There is the possibility that another court ruling could go against the candidacy of Comrade Nwoye (Since Prince Ukachukwu has appealed the current ruling). Running a good campaign in the atmosphere of uncertainty is a great challenge.

• Negative impression/image being continuously peddled around about the PDP and its level of performance.

• He hails from the North Senatorial District, which is the same district as that of Chief Willie Obiano. These two gladiators will most definitely share votes, which makes it a bit more difficult to garner majority votes.




6.0 Strategic Requirements to win the Anambra 2013 Gubernatorial Election

6.1 Votes Cast on Election Day

In order for a candidate to win the gubernatorial election he/she must be able to satisfy the following conditions:

a) Simple Majority: This means getting the highest number of votes cast

b) Twenty-five percent (25%) of votes cast in two-thirds of the Local Government Areas: This means one-quarter of the votes cast in at least 14 LGAs (since Anambra State has 21 LGAs)

In order to achieve this, each candidate should focus on areas where they have strategic advantage and ensure these areas deliver on Election Day through aggressive campaigning and sensitization. Campaigns should also educate their supporters on the process of voting so as to keep voided votes to a minimum. A high percentage of voided votes could affect who wins or loses an election if the election is a close and keenly contested one such as the Anambra 2013 Gubernatorial Election.

It is germane that politicians spend a lot of their energies actually encouraging voters to come out and vote. Voter turnout has been as low as 10% in some of the Governorship elections conducted in 2012. This is not a positive sign and all stakeholders including civil society, INEC, media and the electorate should leave no stone unturned to ensure a massive turnout at the polls.

6.2 Governorship Debates

Debates are fast becoming an integral part of Nigeria’s electoral process, which is very impressive. The Nigerian Election Debate Group (NEDG) has made great efforts at championing the cause and need for debates in the run up to elections at both State and Federal levels. Some people have dismissed debates as having no major impact on the outcome of elections in Nigeria. However on the contrary, these debates do have an impact on the minds of voters. This is because our African culture lends itself greatly to story-telling and a lot of communication is received in this way. Consequently when a candidate does well in a debate people begin to speak about his/her performance albeit usually in an exaggerated way. Those who didn’t even watch the debate begin to draw conclusions. This contributes to the formation of public opinion of a candidate and eventually leads to more or less votes received on Election Day depending on the perception of the electorate. The following tips are good for candidates in the course of preparing for their election debates:

• Always be yourself




• Projecting confidence is vital

• Listen to questions or points raised by other speakers

• Consider the attention span of the audience

• Make answers and points relevant

• Know your material

• Write down any important names or information8

• Practice Practice Practice !!!!

6.3 Closing Round of Campaigning

In the final two weeks of campaigning, it is instructive that candidates secure their strongholds and ensure they give as little room as possible for their opponents to access their key support bases. Candidates should also ensure that quotes, snippets and segments from the debates are used for commercials to advance their position and show insincerity, falsehood or impossibility of their opponents’ positions (fact-checkers). This is key for successful positioning in the critical last stages of campaigning.




7.0 Conclusion

In conclusion this document restates that it is non-partisan and unbiased, however it has attempted to provide a basic understanding of the most hotly contested election in Nigeria since the 2011 Presidential Elections. The document has given a brief of Anambra State, the four candidates from the four major political parties (.APC, APGA, LP and PDP), a SWOT Analysis of the candidates and requirements for winning the election.




8.0 References

1Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Anambra State, [Online], Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wik/Anambra_state [4 October 2013]

2Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia SWOT analysis, [Online], Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wik/swot_analysis [6 October 2012]

3Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Legal Notice on Publication of 2006 Census Final Results [Online], Available: http://placng.org/Legal%20Notice%20on%20Publication%20of%202006%20Census%20Final%20Results.pdf [4 October 2013]

4Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Chris_Ngige, [Online], Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Ngige [4 October 2013]

5Chief Willie Obiano and family website, About Us [Online], http://www.chiefwillieobianoandfamily.com/index.php/about-us/about-us [4 October 2013]

6Ifeanyi Ubah for Governor of Anambra State, Biography, [Online], Available: http://www.ifeanyiubahgovernor.com/dr_patrick_ifeanyi_ubah [4 October 2013]

7Comrade Tony Nwoye for Governor, Anambra 2014 Campaign Website, Meet Our Candidate, Brief Profile of Comrade Tony Nwoye, [Online], Available: http://tonynwoye.org/TN/aboutus [26 October 2013]

8Vaidyanathan, Rajini (14 April 2010) How to brush up your debating skills, BBC News Magazine, [Online], Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/8619277.stm, [6 October 2012]




Election Monitor

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http://electionmonitorng.blogspot.com/

26th October 2013

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