In a recent interview, Chief Chekwas Okorie, the founding chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), delivered a pointed message to Governor Charles Soludo. Okorie argued that Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and prominent national political figure, should be treated as a national player rather than a local political target.

Key takeaways from the interview:

• Okorie emphasized that Peter Obi’s influence extends beyond Anambra and even beyond local politics. He described Obi as a national figure and a major force in Nigerian politics.
• He warned Soludo against launching attacks on Obi, suggesting that such moves would be counterproductive and could damage Soludo’s own political prospects.
• Okorie drew a parallel, noting that attacking Obi is akin to taking on figures who have earned widespread admiration and staying power in the public consciousness, like Nnamdi Kanu or the late Odumegwu Ojukwu.
• The founding APGA chairman urged Soludo to focus on governing and delivering for his administration. He cautioned that opposition attacks on Obi would not translate into more votes for Soludo; rather, they could undermine Soludo’s standing in the upcoming Anambra governorship election.

• Obi’s national profile continues to rise, reinforcing his influence beyond the Southeast and challenging state-level narratives. Okorie’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some political observers that Obi’s stature cannot be easily dismissed or undermined by routine partisan squabbles.
• For Soludo, the message is clear: prioritize policy outcomes and governance over public spats with Obi, as such feuds may alienate voters who are seeking tangible progress in Anambra.

• Political watchers may see this as a reminder of Obi’s enduring relevance in national politics and a challenge to Soludo to articulate concrete achievements in the remaining period of his tenure.
• As the Anambra governorship race approaches, stakeholders will be listening for how candidates recalibrate their strategies in response to Obi’s ongoing influence and Okorie’s public admonition.

This statements from Chief Chekwas Okorie, highlighting ongoing dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape.