Dr Uche Ifediba, National President, Advocacy for Transparent Governance and Promotion Initiative (ATGPI). In this interview with Sunday Sun, he stated that Anambra State governor Prof Chukwuma Soludo should fulfil his campaign promise of transforming the state to ‘Dubai of Africa’ as he begins his second term in office.

He expressed confidence that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Mr Peter Obi, would be on the ballot in next year’s election, even as he highlights the economic benefit of President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to the United Kingdom.

The All Progressives Congress came up with a consensus arrangement at its National Convention held in Abuja recently, contrary to the expectations of many who predicted it was going to end in crisis. How do you assess that convention?

I was not surprised over the successful outcome of the All Progressive Congress (APC) National Convention where new leaders emerged through consensus. Since Nigeria gained independence this is the only period that the country is being governed by a real politician and businessman in the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is a political strategist and promise keeper and that is what led to the gale of defections. Meanwhile, that does not mean that APC will easily win the presidential election in 2027. It is unfortunate that there is no strong opposition that could have kept the ruling party on its toes. Because in politics, no matter how carefully a manifesto is drafted and how good it sounds, it can only be implemented if the candidate is elected when the people place a demand on the leader. And that is the first step in the growth of society. The people must demonstrate a readiness to keep the ruling party on its toes. So, it’s not a matter of electing new leaders when the people are not ready to hold them accountable because of mere sentiments. In 2027 Nigerians have to free themselves from the bondage of tribalism and religious politics before real development can come. The constitution has to allow independent candidates to contest in elections, else we continue the recycling of those old politicians that have failed in the past leaving the electorate with no better choice.

What are the economic benefits of President Tinubu’s official visit to the Uk?

In terms of diplomacy when done right, it can translate into real economic value. And by his official visit to the United Kingdom, President Tinubu has just taken a bold step. I believe his visit to the United Kingdom is a practical way of telling the world, not only the UK, that Nigeria is ready for business. It would open several doors. First, there will be more investments. The UK remains one of Nigeria’s key economic partners and such visits often aim at attracting foreign direct investments into sectors like energy, infrastructure, fintech and agriculture. Again, trade expansion is guaranteed. Strengthening bilateral trade agreements can help Nigerian businesses access to broader markets while also encouraging British firms to see Nigeria as a viable destination, not just a risky frontier. It will further enhance financial collaboration as Nigeria’s economic reforms are centred particularly round currency and fiscal policy which require international confidence. The visit will also birth high-level engagements signalling stability and seriousness to global investors. There is also the Diaspora angle because Nigerians in the UK contribute significantly through remittances and professional networks. It will strengthen ties and unlock new channels for skills transfer, innovation and even start-ups funding. But will these opportunities materialise automatically? No. Serious post-visit actions are required through setting the stage or ensuring that the home stage has been set. Diplomatic visits create potentials; policy consistency and execution determines outcomes. Because investors watch what happens after a handshake and decide to follow through.

Recently, Governor Soludo declared that APGA won’t field a presidential candidate in 2027 and he predicted that President Tinubu with the votes from the South-East will be re-elected. What is your take on that?

Being at the vantage position as a governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo might be seeing something most of us aren’t seeing. Nevertheless, that statement appears bold and perhaps too bold. I want to see this as indeed, a prediction. But I’m afraid it will come to pass because Ndi Igbo are not politically monolithic. Yes, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) may decide not to field a candidate, but that doesn’t mean voters will follow a predetermined path, especially if Peter Obi will be contesting. If Peter Obi appears on the ballot, he becomes a major variable that cannot be ignored not only by Igbo, but the entire citizens of Nigeria in 2027. As for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, incumbency is a powerful advantage. But endorsements implicit or explicit don’t always translate into votes. Nigerian voters have shown increasing independence in recent elections. Politics is evolving, and voters especially in the South-East are thinking more individually than ever before. Bloc voting is not the tradition here. Where you see a semblance of that in the past, it was never by endorsement, but by a summation of individual decisions. My advice to any politician canvassing for votes in the South-East is this; just do a good job or convince the people that you will do better than your opponents. A look at Soludo’s performance scorecard in his first term and the landslide victory he won in the last election testifies to this assertion.

What is your take on Peter Obi’s absence at Soludo’s swearing-in for a second term only to send him a goodwill message?

Two things are involved in this matter, formal invitation and appreciative response. You are certainly asking whether the response was appreciated. To me, physical presence is the more acceptable option, but a goodwill message could also serve depending on the circumstances the former governor faced at that material time. However, Peter Obi choosing not to attend physically, the swearing-in of Governor Soludo’s second term in office, but decided to send a goodwill message carried weight. The absence of a former governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 in an occasion of this nature in his own state speaks louder than his attendance. Let’s be honest, these two men represent different political rhythms. Soludo as a governor embodies institutional authority, while Peter Obi operates more as a national opposition figure. So, the decision might not be simply personal; it could be strategic. Meanwhile, sometimes, politicians communicate alignment or divergence not through speeches, but through where they choose to stand. In simple terms, it’s polite, but it also appears to be political.

How would you describe the recent destruction of parts of Onitsha main market by Governor Soludo, which the state government said was not included in the master plan, an action many have described as politically motivated?

First, let me correct one impression, Onitsha Main Market is essentially up to being rebuilt, modernised and not to be demolished, except for parts that violate environmental laws, which the local government demolished. From the meetings the governor held with traders and their leaders before the work was to commence, it is certain that the traders were carried along or had an understanding with the government on the proposed stage-by-stage rebuilding of the monumental edifice. Don’t forget that Onitsha Main Market is not just a masterpiece; it’s an economic heartbeat. So, anything done there will naturally attract scrutiny and public concern though it is in private hands. You know, there is this fundamental problem; markets that grow organically over decades often outpace regulation hence it is a big problem.

Over the years there has been deviation from the master plan of the market. All parking spaces have been sold and shops erected on them. Market leaders are implicated in this. So, you shouldn’t be surprised by pockets of objections here and there over the proposed sanitisation. Forget about the issue of opening markets on Mondays or not that came up initially. That has nothing to do with what’s going on and the intention of the state government now. It is not a punitive measure as some people may think. What Governor Soludo intends doing in that space is a significant part of his government’s urban renewal and environmental sanitation efforts. This, therefore, focuses on the common good as it aligns with a broader push to modernise infrastructure, enforce planning laws and reduce congestion.

Looking ahead, what role do you think Soludo will play in the 2027 presidential election as there are indications that he is eyeing the presidency in his future political career?

Governor Soludo is, without question, one of the most intellectually prepared public figures in Nigeria. His track record from his tenure at the Central Bank of Nigeria to his work in Anambra State reflects competence and a deep understanding of national development dynamics. Whether he chooses to pursue a larger national role is entirely his decision, but objectively speaking, I can say that he possesses the credentials, vision and experience that a modern Nigerian Presidency requires. If, in the future he chooses to step into the national arena for any office, he would be doing so with credentials that few can match. My agenda for Governor Soludo is to transform Anambra State into Dubai of Africa in fulfilment of his campaign promise as we look forward to a new Anambra. (The Sun)