Venerable Chris Orajekwe, the Omego of Ogbunka, is a priest of the Anglican Church, and the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Anambra South Senatorial District. In this no-holds-barred interview with News Maker Media in his Akwuoba Ogbunka country home, Anambra State, he speaks on why the opposition will take power in 2027, why Atiku Abubakar remains the man to beat despite age concerns, why Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo has failed to live up to expectations, and his advice to electorates and INEC.
Excerpts:
Who is Ven. Chris Orajekwe, beyond politics?
I am a priest of the Anglican Church, the Omego of Ogbunka, and by God’s grace, the Chairman of ADC in Anambra South. I am also a kingmaker, not necessarily a king.
You said the opposition is serious about 2027. How?
The opposition is very serious this time and will take over power from the ruling party. Nigerians are tired and are yearning for real change. The coalition is working behind the scenes.
You described Atiku Abubakar as the man to beat. Why Atiku?
Atiku is the man to beat in the race. He is the most experienced, the most grounded politically, and understands Nigeria more than many of his contemporaries.
Many say Atiku is too old to contest for President. What is your take?
That is neither here nor there. Atiku is not too old to be President. We have many Presidents in the world today who are older than him. He is still very articulate, mentally sound and far more experienced than others.
But the opposition is divided. Doesn’t that weaken your chances?
That the opposition couldn’t come together at once doesn’t mean anything. Nigeria is too tribalistic and divided. It is our nature to start in clusters before we eventually align. At the end, we will come together.
Why have you never contested for elective office yourself?
I have never contested because some people are made to be kingmakers. I am one of such persons. My calling, both as a priest and a political organizer, is to raise leaders.
How do you rate Atiku against President Bola Tinubu politically?
With all due respect, Atiku is more grounded than President Bola Tinubu in politics. Atiku has national spread, institutional memory and patience. That is why I advise all opposition parties to rally round and behind Atiku.
Atiku has been accused of abandoning his party after every election failure. Is that true?
That is a lie. It is blackmail. Atiku is always in Nigeria to ensure that party members are united. He does not run away. He stays to rebuild. People just like to spread that narrative.
Let’s come home to Anambra. How do you assess Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s performance?
Governor Soludo isn’t doing well and is yet to live up to expectation as a professor and a governor. He talks a lot but does less. We expected a lot more from a professor of his standing.
You said his attack on Peter Obi is baseless. Why?
Soludo’s attack on former Governor Peter Obi is baseless because he has never been able to prove his points. Obi left a standard. Instead of sustaining it, Soludo is busy trying to discredit him without facts.
What about his projects, especially the airports?
That is where he has made a complete mess. Instead of putting the needed facilities and finishing the Anambra State airport in Umuleri that was built before him, he went and started another airport in Ndikelionwu axis. That is a misplaced priority.
What would you have expected him to do with that money?
We expect him to use the money for the new airport to work on streets and roads that are crying for repair in Anambra State. Our internal roads are in bad shape. Governance is about priorities.
Are you saying Soludo has destroyed what Obi and others built?
Yes. Soludo has made a mess of the state that was built by Obi and other governors. He isn’t behaving like a professor. A professor should be methodical, evidence-driven and prudent. We are not seeing that.
What is your message to the electorate ahead of 2027?
My message to the electorate is to shun the habit of being bought over by politicians. Do not sell your vote. Money will finish in a day, but bad governance will stay for four years. Vote your conscience.
And to INEC?
I urge INEC not to be partial in the discharge of their duties. They are an umpire. They should be neutral, transparent and firm. Nigerians are watching.
Finally, what gives you confidence that ADC and the opposition can win?
The hunger of the people. Nigerians want competent and experienced leadership. Atiku has it. The opposition has learned its lessons. Once we unite, victory is certain.
