Anambra Gov’ship Election, PDP National Convention And Major Political Events That Occurred In 2021

The Anambra governorship election held on November 6 was one of the highlights of 2021 and one of the biggest political events that occurred in the year.

Other events that happened in the political space include the launching of the autobiography of the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bisi Akande, and the National Convention of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Below are some of the major political events recorded in 2021 in no particular order.

APGA’s Charles Soludo Wins Anambra Governorship Election

The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in the Anambra governorship election, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, emerged as the winner of the exercise.

Soludo emerged winner with 112,229 votes to defeat Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who got 53,807 votes, and Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress who got 43,285 votes. Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party polled 21,261 votes to come fourth.

Soludo’s victory was announced by the Returning Officer of the election, Florence Obi, after he won the supplementary election conducted in Ihiala Local Government Area.

PDP Holds National Convention

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 30 held its much-awaited National Convention in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The event kicked off around 1.05pm at Eagle Square in Abuja with the recitation of the National Anthem which was quickly followed by the Christian and Muslim prayers.

In his opening remarks the Chairman, National Convention Organizing Committee of the PDP, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State said the opposition party is working hard to take over leadership from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to correct the wrongs of many years and the pains inflicted on Nigerians by the ruling party.

Fintiri said since APC took over in 2015, many things have gone worse including the economy and security. He submitted that the PDP is on a rescue mission and is open to receiving those that had left the fold back into the party.

Ex-Senate President Ayu Emerges PDP National Chairman

A former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, was elected as the new National Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ayu alongside new National Working Committee (NWC) members were elected at the party’s National Convention held at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

Ayu, who was earlier adopted as the consensus candidate for the position, won the election unchallenged with 3,426 votes, while a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja, emerged as Deputy National Chairman (South).

2023: Senator Abaribe Joins Abia Governorship Race

Senate Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP – Abia South) joined the 2023 Abia governorship race.

It was learned that Abaribe made his intention to run for the number seat known during a meeting with governor Okezie Ikpeazu, at the Abia Government House in Umuahia on Friday night.

According to The Nation, Abaribe visited the governor with some of his supporters and leaders in the state to disclose his intention to be his successor.

Former APC National Chairman Bisi Akande Launches Autobiography

On November 9, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, launched his autobiography titled, “My Participations”.

During the public presentation of the book at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos state, Akande observed rightly that many things are wrong with the country.

Akande said he doesn’t envy the position of President Muhammadu Buhari as the leader of Nigeria. He added that the people blame the President for everything even when it’s obvious not all is his fault.

The elder statesman added however that such is to be expected of anyone who is a leader because the buck starts and ends on the leader’s table.

Bola Tinubu’s 2023 Presidential Manifesto Leaks

In November 2021, a manifesto for the former Lagos State governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was leaked, signalling that it is only a matter of time before the politician declares his intention for the presidential seat.

Tagged, “Seven Point Agenda: The Rebirth Manifesto,” the document detailed Tinubu’s plan for Nigeria if elected as the country’s leader.

The seven key areas the campaign master plan covered include education, technology, infrastructure, homegrown business, leadership, and true federalism and democratic process.

Southern Governors Speak On 2023 Presidency, Open Grazing & VAT Brouhaha

Governors of the Southern region met thrice in the year to discuss some pertinent issues affecting the zone ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The governors expressed satisfaction with the rate at which the States in Southern Nigeria are enacting or amending the Anti- Open Grazing Laws which align with the uniform template and aspiration of Southern Governors and encouraged the States that are yet to enact this law to do so expeditiously.

They also encouraged the full operationalization of already agreed regional security outfits; which would meet, share intelligence and collaborate, to ensure the security and safety of the region.

This article was originally published on Naija News