There was noticeable tension in Anambra State this week as Governor Chukwuma Soludo and former Governor Peter Obi – two influential figures from the Southeast – subtly criticised each other during President Bola Tinubu’s widely publicised visit to the state.
The situation escalated when Peter Obi, ex-presidential candidate and former Anambra governor, posted a sharp comment on X (formerly Twitter), condemning how Nigeria continues to waste public funds. Though he didn’t mention anyone directly, Obi criticised leaders who focus on “non-essential projects like government houses, lodges, and car convoys,” instead of prioritising education, healthcare, and investing in people.
Obi’s post came shortly before President Tinubu visited Anambra on the invitation of Governor Soludo. During the visit, Tinubu inaugurated various state projects, including the state’s first-ever Government House — a development many believe was the target of Obi’s criticism.
Many observers saw Obi’s post as a deliberate jab at Soludo, especially given the timing and subject of the visit.
Governor Soludo, who is known for responding to criticism, made his own subtle remarks during the commissioning ceremony. He recalled that the last time a president came to commission a project in Anambra was in 2012 — and it was a brewery launched under Obi’s administration.
Although he didn’t call out Obi directly, Soludo drew a clear line between his administration and that of his predecessor. He noted that his government is delivering major infrastructure projects such as flyovers, roads, and key government buildings — efforts he believes are reshaping the state’s development path.
This isn’t the first time Soludo has questioned Obi’s legacy. He had previously described the brewery project under Obi’s leadership as “insignificant,” a comment that angered many of Obi’s supporters.
As Tinubu continues his tour of infrastructure projects across the country, the growing rivalry between Soludo and Obi is becoming more obvious. Political commentators argue that the conflict goes beyond physical projects and is more about power, political influence, and positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to political analyst Dr. Chidi Anyaogu, “This issue isn’t just about a government building or a brewery. It’s about legacy, relevance, and control in a region searching for unity and clear direction.”
Meanwhile, Tinubu’s visit — and the political tension it exposed — has drawn attention to the deeper divisions within the Southeast’s political landscape. With Obi still holding national appeal and Soludo carving a name for himself as a results-driven leader, more clashes between the two are expected — whether strategic or accidental.
What’s certain is that the Southeast is entering a fresh political era — one filled not only with developmental projects but also with power struggles and political maneuvering.
