By Tony Okafor P.
When Ozo Jeff Nweke, the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), declared his intention to contest the November 8 Anambra governorship election, not many took him seriously.
In a political space dominated by established parties and big names, Nweke’s ambition was at first dismissed as comic relief — a fleeting adventure of another dreamer.
Yet, in just a few short months, this supposed underdog has shaken the political field, forcing even his early mockers to take a second look.
Like the biblical David facing the mighty Goliath, Jeff Nweke entered the race armed with nothing more than conviction, vision, and courage.
He described himself as the David with a catapult among giants “holding AK-47s” — and that metaphor could not be more fitting.
Without the deep pockets or entrenched political machinery of the big players, he has nonetheless become a phenomenon across Anambra State.
Today, one cannot travel through the towns and villages of the state without encountering his presence.
His banners and posters dot the highways, market squares, and community centres — including newspaper pages and online blogs.
But beyond this visible spread, his message of humility, peace, and people-centered governance has begun to resonate deeply with many ordinary citizens weary of the noise, arrogance, and entitlement of the political class.
Yet, as is often the case in politics, rising popularity comes at a price. Nweke’s growing visibility and acceptance have attracted envy, fear, and a storm of misinformation.
His name now features in political gossip mills; his activities are exaggerated, twisted, and reported to every imaginable authority — including the corridors of power.
Ironically, it is some of Nweke’s own Awka kinsmen who are at the forefront of these rumours, even going so far as to peddle hate narratives before the state government.
This comes despite the fact that, on several occasions, Jeff had openly defended Governor Soludo’s policies — and even spoken in support of the governor’s son, Ozonna, and his unconventional musical pursuits.
This coordinated whisper campaign reveals something deeper: that perhaps this “small” man is not so small after all.
If Jeff Nweke and his AA party are indeed insignificant, why the fear? Why the sudden rush to spread rumours and discredit him? Why the panic in quarters that once laughed him off? The answer is clear — a movement that began as a whisper is fast becoming a roar.
In a democracy, every candidate, no matter how small their platform, deserves a fair chance to be heard. The beauty of politics lies not in the size of one’s party, but in the sincerity of one’s purpose and the ability to connect with the people.
Anambra voters are known for their independent minds. They have, in past elections, upended expectations and defied predictions.
Ozo Jeff Nweke’s rise is a reminder that power does not always belong to the mighty — that the electorate can still surprise the system, and that sincerity, humility, and visibility can sometimes outweigh structure and resources.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, the political establishment would do well not to dismiss this “David” again.
The people are watching, listening — and may yet decide that the slingshot in Jeff Nweke’s hands is enough to rewrite the story of this election.
