Soludo vs. Peter Obi: Who Is Being Clever by Half? — Law Mefor

Soludo vs. Peter Obi: Who Is Being Clever by Half? — Law Mefor

An Igbo proverb says: One who fetches ant-infested firewood invites the visit of lizards. According to Dr. Law Mefor, this best describes the ongoing tensions between former Anambra State Governor Mr. Peter Obi and the incumbent Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.

In a commentary issued on Monday, Mefor argued that Obi has consistently provoked Governor Soludo but reacts defensively when the governor responds strongly. He described Soludo as a leader who rarely initiates conflict but “never backs down” when challenged.

Mefor highlighted Soludo’s national and international credentials, noting that the governor’s reputation dates back nearly two decades to his tenure as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where he earned global recognition. According to him, while Obi is a former governor, political realities suggest that “Obi needs Soludo more than Soludo needs him.”

Public Endorsement and Political Influence

He stated that Soludo has demonstrated strong political goodwill, citing the overwhelming support he received during his re-election. According to Mefor, Anambra citizens “massively endorsed” the governor, raising billions of naira for his campaign. Soludo went on to win all 21 out of 21 local government areas with 73% of the vote, a feat described as unprecedented in the state.

He added that despite this support, Obi allegedly worked to undermine Soludo politically by attempting to influence the 2023 elections through the Labour Party (LP). Mefor claimed that Obi’s camp hoped the LP would seize control of the Anambra State House of Assembly and subsequently attempt to unseat Soludo.

Claims of Goodwill and Betrayal

Mefor also argued that Soludo had shown Obi notable goodwill in the past, including permitting him to announce his 2023 presidential ambition from the Anambra State Government House and offering him the APGA platform as a political launchpad.

“What did Soludo get in return?” he asked, alleging that Obi encouraged efforts to topple his government through a “civilian coup plot” that ultimately failed.

Political Maneuvering and Public Narratives

The commentary further accused Obi of persistently trying to retain influence in Anambra State politics without acknowledging Soludo’s superior administrative and global track record.

He referenced Obi’s recent statement likening himself to a Champions League player, dismissing it as political grandstanding. Mefor argued that Soludo’s national service and international recognition— including earning the national honour of CFR and multiple global banking awards — place him in a different league.

“If Peter Obi needs further education on this,” he said, “he should read The Power of One Man, the book on Soludo’s transformational banking reforms.”

On-the-Ground Influence

Citing the 2025 governorship election, Mefor claimed that Obi’s influence in his home community of Agulu appeared limited. According to him, despite Obi’s plea for voters in Agulu to support the LP gubernatorial candidate, the community voted overwhelmingly for Soludo and APGA, with Obi losing all four wards.

“This is a clear indication of who truly has political control in Anambra State,” he stated.

A Call for Restraint

Mefor cautioned Obi to steer clear of further confrontation with Soludo, warning that a forced comparison between both men would be unfavourable to the former governor.

“Obi should keep to his lane,” he said, adding that Soludo remains focused on delivering governance and should not be distracted by “jobless politicians.” He referred to Soludo as Charlie Nwamgbafor, also known as the Solution Master, who won his re-election with a historic 21/21 victory — something, he said, Obi “never achieved.”

He encouraged Obi to emulate the conduct of two other former Anambra governors — Chief Willie Obiano and Dr. Chris Ngige — whose relationships with Soludo have remained cordial and respectful.

Mefor concluded that discerning observers can clearly see “who is being clever by half,” urging stakeholders to regain perspective for the greater good.