Candidate of Action Alliance (AA) for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, Japheth Nweke, speaks on issues surrounding the forthcoming election and other matters of importance in this interview with journalists, Cajetan Mmuta was there
Political contests, such as governorship or legislative elections in Anambra, are not tea parties, given their high financial and power stakes. You are also running against an incumbent seeking a second term. Why did you decide to enter the race at this point?
You quite know that I’m from Anambra, and the truth is that politics is a platform to make a positive change in society, as Governor Soludo himself often says. I also believe that change is constant, like flowing water that cleanses and replaces the old with the new. As humans, we always strive for improvement, better systems, and more effective governance. That said, I’m not saying that Governor Soludo is not doing well, nor that previous administrations were entirely bad. However, there’s nothing wrong with offering people multiple options. That’s what democracy is about, the power of choice. What we in the Action Alliance are doing is presenting our people with different strategies and new pathways to achieving the same collective goal, a prosperous Anambra. I believe I am well-positioned to bring the best in governance, which is why I have stepped forward. Anambra needs governance that fosters inclusivity, not alienation. We will bridge the gap between the government and the governed, ensuring that people are at the centre of policy, not on the sidelines.
What are the new ways you can introduce that are better than what currently exists in Anambra?
The system we should have in place must reflect the context of the times and the realities of modern governance. If the existing system is outdated, it needs to be reengineered because you can’t use old models to solve new problems. Anambra’s governance structure must align with global trends in innovation, transparency, and accountability. I believe the current government has not kept pace with such standards. I have a detailed, practical, and implementable plan that will reposition Anambra to meet contemporary global benchmarks in administration, economic planning, and citizen participation. This comprehensive plan will be unveiled soon.
There is an existing zoning arrangement in the state, although it is not a formal one. You are from Awka in the Central Zone. Don’t you think this could impede your ambition?
You have rightly stated that zoning in Anambra is unconstitutional. It’s not a universally agreed-upon principle, but rather a partisan construct promoted mainly by the APGA party. My party, the AA, has never consented to such an arrangement. Frankly, zoning enthrones mediocrity because it limits competition and merit. It prevents us from having the best candidate at a given time simply because they come from a zone not favoured by rotation. The people of Anambra no longer vote based on zoning today. They are more concerned about who will deliver services, who will repair roads, improve healthcare, create jobs, and provide better livelihoods. That’s what truly matters. At AA, we believe in competence and service. Zoning has not worked before, it’s not working now, and it will not work in this dispensation. The electorate is wiser and more interested in results than rhetoric.
Your billboards across Anambra carry the slogan ‘Let the masses live.’ What does that mean? Are you suggesting that people are not living well?
Yes, the masses are not living well, not just in Anambra but across Nigeria. Our message is simple: the people must live with dignity and comfort. Where governance works, it uplifts the masses and raises their standard of living. However, in Nigeria today, corruption has entrenched a system that benefits only the elite, leaving the common man impoverished. The AA manifesto is designed to correct this imbalance. We will build a people-centred government focused on empowerment, equity, and quality of life. When the economy is revitalised, GDP increases, and the income per capita rises. You won’t need to consult data to see progress; it will be visible in people’s lives. When we build good roads, improve education, and develop infrastructure, it will be for the service of the people, not for the self-enrichment of those in office.
You are a security expert. What will your security agenda be for Anambra if elected, given that insecurity has remained a significant challenge?
Nigeria faces widespread insecurity, and Anambra is not exempt. However, security is the foremost responsibility of any government. Our administration will tackle insecurity by addressing its root causes, primarily unemployment and poverty. Within our first three months in office, we plan to reduce insecurity by 80 per cent. We’ll achieve this through massive job creation, particularly in the agricultural sector. When youths are gainfully employed, crime rates drop significantly. Most crimes today are crimes of necessity. By engaging the youth productively, we eliminate that necessity. For the smaller fraction of habitual offenders, we will strengthen the state’s security apparatus, police, DSS, and others, to function as an efficient, intelligence-driven system capable of deterrence and rapid response.
The August 16 by-election recorded high levels of vote-buying. What does this portend for the November 8 governorship election, and how can INEC address it?
INEC is not the main culprit in vote-buying. The real actors are politicians, their agents, and voters who accept inducements. It’s a two-way problem. We must embark on an aggressive public education campaign to sensitise voters about the dangers of trading their votes. Vote-buying fuels corruption, weakens democracy, and enslaves the electorate. Those who sell their votes lose the moral right to question failed governance later. After all, politicians who spend heavily to buy votes will naturally seek to recover their investment from public funds. We must break this vicious cycle. The people and political players alike must reject the culture of vote trading if we genuinely desire credible governance.
What is the core of your manifesto that will set you apart if elected?
Agriculture. That’s the sector we will revolutionise to rebuild Anambra’s economy and ensure food security. Currently, agriculture and manufacturing contribute only about 20% of our state’s GDP, which is far below potential. We will double that figure within our first term through mechanised farming, agro-industrial processing, and value-chain expansion. With new technologies, modern techniques, and supportive infrastructure, agriculture is expected to contribute between 40% and 50% of the state’s GDP. This transformation will empower farmers, create jobs, and drastically reduce hunger.
Finally, what is your central message to the people of Anambra as the election draws near?
We must tone down inflammatory rhetoric and avoid violence. Fellow candidates and parties should refrain from personal attacks or hate speech. Elections should not be a do-or-die affair. We are all presenting our ideas on how to serve our people, and the people will decide who they trust most to deliver on these ideas. Leadership is not the monopoly of the ruling party; it’s a shared democratic space where both government and opposition have roles. Let us return to issue-based campaigns and work together for the good of Anambra.
