By Ebuka Onyekwelu.
The recent nomination of Lady Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, widow of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, to the position of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has sparked mixed reactions across Anambra State. While some All Progressives Congress (APC) members view the appointment as a strategic advantage for the party ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial elections, others are voicing concerns over the APC’s reward system.
Political analyst Ebuka Onyekwelu commented, “This nomination is APGA’s loss as Lady Bianca will now align openly with the federal government’s interests in Anambra State.” The APC’s path to victory in Anambra has historically relied on bipartisan alliances, with elections often decided by coalition-building rather than strict partisan loyalty.
Interestingly, some members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s leadership, have also extended congratulatory messages to Bianca, citing her longstanding ties with the party. However, critics argue that Soludo’s administration has distanced itself from Ojukwu’s legacy, exemplified by the removal of his portrait from APGA uniforms and limited public acknowledgment of his contributions.
Governor Soludo’s ideological ties as a “Zikist” are believed to inform his stance, with the administration’s actions suggesting a calculated departure from the Ojukwu legacy. Nevertheless, the faction’s support for Bianca’s nomination has left many questioning its authenticity, as the appointment was made solely at President Tinubu’s discretion.
Despite some opposition urging her to decline the role, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s nomination represents the federal government’s constitutional duty to ensure representation from all states. For many observers, the debate over her acceptance appears moot, as her alignment with federal interests could reshape Anambra’s political landscape ahead of 2025.
