Former Secretary to the Anambra State Government, diplomat, and policy expert Hon. Oseloka Obaze has thrown his weight behind John Chuma Nwosu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, describing him as “Anambra’s best option” for credible leadership and meaningful change.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Obaze said his decision to endorse Nwosu stemmed from the urgent need to rescue Anambra from what he called “dire straits.”
“Anambra is in dire straits. We need a change in leadership, and we can achieve this on 8th November,” Obaze stated.
“I’ve lived in Anambra since 2012, I pay taxes here, and I run my consultancy here. I’ve experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly. When things are not good, we should speak up and speak the truth to power.
“I believe ADC and John Chuma Nwosu represent Anambra’s best option. Look at Enugu and Abia. Our people are not blind. As you are aware, I am not a member of ADC or any other party. But as a voter and stakeholder, I know where my family, my dependents, and I will place our trust and votes.”
He criticized what he described as hypocrisy among Anambra elites who privately condemn the state administration but publicly endorse it.
“It is hypocritical to condemn a government in private and endorse it publicly. Those Anambra elites who fear visiting the state due to insecurity are now supporting the continuity of a government that cannot secure their lives and properties. It makes no sense,” he added.
On the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Obaze expressed cautious optimism, saying he hopes the electoral body will deliver a credible election in Anambra despite what he called its poor performance in recent national polls.
“INEC as an institution has been extremely weak. After the 2023 fiasco, it had ample opportunity to redeem itself but failed at every juncture. Public confidence in INEC is badly eroded,” he said.
Asked about his assessment of Governor Charles Soludo’s administration, Obaze avoided personal criticism but noted that the government had fallen short of its own standards.
“His administration has not done well by the standards and expectations he set. I’m sure he knows I did not vote for him in 2021, yet when he won, I congratulated him. History may yet again repeat itself,” he remarked.
On his relationship with Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Obaze said their bond remains “very correct, very cordial, and very seamless.”
“We speak or communicate at least three times a week. Nigeria needs Peter Obi more than Peter Obi needs Nigeria,” he said.
Obaze also confirmed that he intends to return to partisan politics, saying, “Yes, I will, because I’m involved-with apologies to Dim Emeka Ojukwu.”