By Tony Okafor
In a political season often marked by mudslinging, bitterness, and monetary inducement, the declaration of Ọzọ Jephat Ezechukwu Nweke, the Action Alliance (AA) governorship candidate for the November 8 election in Anambra State, stands out like a breath of fresh air.
His bold assertion that “not even $300 billion would make me abandon my ambition to govern the state” is not merely a statement of intent — it is a declaration of integrity in an age where many aspirants are quick to mortgage their mandate for personal gain.
At a time when Nigeria’s political climate has become heavily polluted by desperation and toxic rhetoric, Nweke’s message of calm determination and issue-based engagement deserves commendation.
By focusing his campaign on ideals rather than insults, development rather than division, he has shown that politics need not be a battlefield of hatred but a platform for ideas, service, and transformation.
Speaking to a massive crowd of enthusiastic youths at Ekwodiaku Primary School Field, Awka, Nweke’s tone was not combative but hopeful. He spoke of rewriting the negative narrative about Awka and uplifting the entire Anambra populace.
Such words resonate deeply in a state where, despite its enviable intellectual and commercial capital, socio-economic inequality and political marginalization still persist — especially among Awka indigenes.
Unlike many candidates who seek to ride on populist outrage or castigate incumbents, Nweke did not resort to tearing down others to build himself up. Instead, he showed rare political maturity by acknowledging the developmental efforts of Governor Chukwuma Soludo while calling attention to areas still yearning for urgent government focus — particularly the plight of Awka residents who remain mired in poverty despite living in the seat of power.
This is what responsible opposition should look like: not destructive criticism but constructive engagement. Not bitterness, but balance.
Equally refreshing is Nweke’s visionary pledge to transform Awka into a “replica of Silicon Valley” within two years — an ambitious but inspiring goal that taps into the youthful energy and entrepreneurial spirit of the Anambra people.
His emphasis on technology, security, and inclusive governance reflects an understanding that the next phase of Anambra’s growth must be anchored not on politics-as-usual but on innovation, discipline, and genuine compassion.
Moreover, his insistence on eradicating criminality within four months of assuming office, though ambitious, speaks to his boldness and belief in purposeful leadership.
Such confidence, backed by sincerity of vision, is precisely what Nigeria’s democracy needs — leaders who do not merely seek office for titles but for transformation.
It is also worth noting that Nweke’s campaign has so far been devoid of the usual toxic exchanges and online propaganda that often define our electoral cycles.
His message to voters has remained consistent: hope, unity, and radical transformation — not intimidation, arrogance, or abuse. For this reason, his non-toxic approach should be emulated by other candidates across the political spectrum.
Anambra, more than ever, needs leaders who can disagree without being disagreeable — those who can compete without corruption and campaign without chaos.
Jeff Nweke’s conduct in this race so far is a reminder that politics, at its best, is still a noble calling — one that can be conducted with decency, integrity, and vision.
As November 8 approaches, we urge Anambra voters to pay attention not only to party labels but to character, ideas, and the spirit with which candidates engage the electorate.
In Jeff Nweke, we see a new spirit of leadership — one that offers hope, substance, and civility in an era that sorely needs all three.
