As the people of Anambra State go to the polls on Saturday to decide who governs them in the next four years, there are indications that the off-cycle governorship election will be more than a test of party strength. The exercise appears to be shaping up as a battle of influence among powerful politicians, wealthy entrepreneurs, and political movements contending to define the future of Anambra’s governance.

The 16 candidates vying for the election, including the incumbent, Charles Soludo, have taken their campaigns to the nooks and crannies of the 34-year-old state.

The governorship hopefuls are depending on political networks, financiers, and loyal grassroots operatives, the combination of which may determine who occupies the Government House in Awka.

Parties and their candidates

From the ruling APGA to the opposition Labour Party (LP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), each party is mobilising around its unique strengths and appeal.

For instance, APGA is the dominant political force in Anambra, holding power uninterrupted since 2006. The party has chosen to stay with Mr Soludo, who was returned unopposed in its recent primary election after securing all delegates’ votes.

Mr Soludo, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is banking on his achievements in his current first term, particularly in infrastructure renewal and youth empowerment.

APGA’s campaign is being coordinated by its National Chairman, Sylveste