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The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has decried the role of godfatherism in determining the emergence of those entrusted with the governorship of Anambra State since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
CDD, in a statement signed by Idayat Hassan, described the ugly trend as responsible for what it termed the “political brawl” in the state during the period under review.
CDD lamented that each of the frontline candidates in today’s elections had already been linked to a godfather, adding that the fight between former governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi, and the incumbent, Mr. Willie Obiano of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), would partly define the electoral outcome.
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CDD identified Oseluka Obaze (PDP), Tony Nwoye (APC), Osita Chidoka (UPP), Godwin Ezemuo (PPA) and Obiano as the frontline candidates of the 37 vying for the coveted seat of the governorship.
It noted: “The politics in Anambra State is the case study for godfather politics in Nigeria, where the quest to hold on to power with so much enthusiasm by these politicians as our foremost leaders, is on the increase.
“From the Fourth Republic, the state has witnessed these ugly trends, as political actors and their estranged political godfathers are always in contention for who is who in their state. For each electoral cycle, there is a godfather.
“The political brawl (which could be said to have birthed godfatherism) in Anambra State began with Chinwoke Mbadinuju and Emeka Offor. The trend continued with the inception of Chris Ngige and his political godfather, Chris Uba; a crisis that caused a lot in the polity of the nation and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in particular.”
CDD further identified Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Idemili South, Awka South, Ihiala and Ekwusigo Councils as the battleground areas during the poll today.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), about 2,158,171 million people in Anambra registered for the election, made up of 50.3 per cent females and 49.6 per cent males.
Also, the highest voting populations are students, who make up about 48 per cent of registered voters, while Idemili North Council has the highest number of registered voters.
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