For over two decades, Anambra State has been held under the spell of a singular political mantra—”Nke a bu nke anyi,” a phrase in Igbo that loosely translates to “This is our own.” Coined and weaponised by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), this slogan has morphed from a call for ethnic pride and political identity into a dangerous political ideology that has imprisoned the hopes, development, and progress of the people of Anambra.
As the 2025 governorship election looms, a new narrative is emerging—one that seeks to liberate the state from the suffocating grasp of parochialism.
At the centre of this political revolution stands Chief Dr. George Moghalu, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate—a seasoned administrator, patriot, and a man whose political ideology is driven by competence, justice, equity, and people-first governance.
The emergence of APGA in the early 2000s was marked by noble intentions. Founded to provide a political platform for the Southeast and particularly the Igbo people, who felt sidelined in the broader Nigerian political landscape, APGA was meant to restore the dignity of Ndi Igbo.
The party, under the iconic leadership of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, rallied the emotions of the people by preaching self-determination, regional pride, and a renewed political voice.
Out of this agenda was born the slogan “Nke a bu nke anyi.” At inception, it was a call for ethnic solidarity and a demand for self-governance within the bounds of the Nigerian federation. However, what started as a rallying cry for inclusiveness and pride in Igbo identity was quickly converted into a political gimmick and a tool for deception.
For 20 years, APGA has used this slogan not just as a motto but as a psychological instrument to control political perception in Anambra. It fed off the people’s emotions, selling the idea that supporting APGA was synonymous with loyalty to the Igbo cause, and betrayal meant treachery to one’s roots. This slogan was echoed across campaign rallies, governance circles, traditional institutions, and even town halls.
But while the party shouted “Nke a bu nke anyi,” infrastructure decayed, hospitals became mere consulting clinics, teachers went unpaid, roads eroded, and Anambra’s urban centres lost their aesthetic and strategic lustre. It became clear that “Nke a bu nke anyi” was no longer about the people; it was about the politicians. It became a justification for mediocrity, a cover for nepotism, and a mask for corruption.
One of the most persistent myths in Anambra politics is the claim that Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu’s dying wish was for APGA to be protected at all costs. This myth has been propagated as gospel, used to sanctify the party’s failures and to guilt-trip anyone who dares to challenge its dominance.
Ojukwu was a man of ideals, not of blind loyalty. He stood for justice, meritocracy, and the welfare of his people. Until his last breath, he spoke passionately about the need for good governance, equitable development, and dignity for Ndi Igbo. There is no concrete record—verbal or written—where Ojukwu declared APGA as his political heir or asked that it be preserved at the expense of Anambra’s wellbeing.
If anything, Ojukwu’s true legacy lies in political courage and moral fortitude, not in party dogma. Those who knew him understand that he would have disavowed any party that becomes a vessel of deceit, misgovernance, and political stagnation. APGA’s continued use of his image and name is not only disrespectful but dishonest.
Into this scenario walks Chief Dr. George Moghalu, a man with deep political roots, an unblemished public service record, and an unwavering commitment to the people. Unlike the crop of politicians who have ridden on tribal sentiments and slogans, Moghalu’s political profile is built on vision, capacity, and humility.
A former National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and an astute administrator, Moghalu has spent decades proving himself as a man who delivers. In every office he has held, he has distinguished himself by emphasising transparency, strategic planning, and impact-driven leadership.
But what sets Moghalu apart is not just his credentials; it is his philosophy. His political mantra is not “Nke a bu nke anyi,” but “Nke a bu oge ime ezi ihe”—“This is an era to do what is right.” For Moghalu, governance is not about where a person comes from or which godfather supports him; it’s about what the people need and how best to deliver it.
He is not new to Anambra’s terrain. He understands the politics, the culture, and the expectations of the people. But more importantly, he is not bound by the chains of old political debts or the shackles of ethnic sloganeering. George Moghalu represents a break from the past—a refreshing alternative for a people hungry for transformation.
The Peter Obi phenomenon, the Labour Party wave, and the political awakening that swept through the Southeast have altered the equation. Ndi Anambra, particularly the youth and the middle class, are no longer swayed by empty slogans and dancing politicians. They are asking questions. They are demanding answers. And they are organising for change.
The Labour Party, once a fringe party, has become the voice of the people—a platform for hope, integrity, and development. And in Anambra, the convergence of the Labour Party’s vision with George Moghalu’s leadership has created an unstoppable force.
The choice is no longer between parties; it’s between progress and stagnation, between truth and deception, between results and rhetoric. Ndi Anambra are saying, “enough is enough.” They are rejecting the politics of entitlement and choosing the politics of empowerment.
In George Moghalu, they see a man who listens. A man who has built bridges across party lines, religious affiliations, and cultural differences. A man who believes in one Anambra—united, prosperous, and respected.
His campaign has focused on job creation, revamping education, upgrading infrastructure, expanding the healthcare system, and restoring the dignity of public service. These are not just promises; they are backed by policy drafts, stakeholder engagement, and a clear implementation roadmap.
As the election draws near, a wind of change is blowing across Anambra. From Nnewi to Awka, from Onitsha to Ihiala, from Otuocha to Aguata, the message is the same: “We will not be deceived again.”
The 2025 gubernatorial race is not just another election—it is a referendum on two decades of deception, stagnation, and lost opportunities. It is a test of the people’s resolve to reclaim their destiny. It is an opportunity to reward competence and punish mediocrity.
To the youths, George Moghalu is saying: You are not just voters; you are partners in rebuilding our state. To the women, he is saying: You will no longer be sidelined; you will be empowered. To civil servants, he promises: You will be respected, paid on time, and supported. To business owners, artisans, and farmers, he assures: Your work will be protected and your efforts rewarded.
George Moghalu is not promising utopia. But he is offering honesty, competence, and vision. He is offering a break from the past and a leap into a future where leadership is earned, not inherited; where service is sacred, not transactional.
Anambra cannot afford to make the same mistake again. The state needs a governor who will lead with wisdom, work with humility, and govern with integrity. Chief Dr. George Moghalu is that man.
Let us remember: slogans don’t build roads. Tribal sentiments don’t equip hospitals. Political myths don’t educate children. Only good governance does.
In this defining moment, Ndi Anambra must rise above manipulation and embrace transformation. The Labour Party offers a credible platform. George Moghalu offers credible leadership.
Dr Agu writes from Abuja.