This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the governors who have governed Anambra State, Nigeria, since its creation in 1976. It details the administrations of both military governors and elected officials, offering insights into their tenures and party affiliations.
The guide also addresses frequently asked questions, including:
- Who was the first governor of Anambra State?
- Who is the current governor?
- When did Peter Obi serve as governor?
- Who is considered the most successful governor according to a recent poll?
READ ALSO: List Of Governors Of Enugu State (1990-Present)
Complete List Of Past And Present Governors In Anambra State
No | Name | Began Tenure | Ended Tenure | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | John Atom Kpera | March 1976 | July 1978 | Military |
2 | Col. Datti Sadiq Abubakar | July 1978 | October 1979 | Military |
3 | Jim Nwobodo | October 1979 | October 1983 | NPP |
4 | Christian Onoh | October 1983 | December 1983 | NPN |
5 | Allison Madueke | January 1984 | August 1985 | Military |
6 | Samson Omeruah | August 1985 | December 1987 | Military |
7 | Robert Akonobi | December 1987 | August 1990 | Military |
8 | Herbert Eze | August 1990 | January 1992 | Military |
9 | Joseph Abulu | 27 August 1991 | January 1992 | Military |
10 | Chukwuemeka Ezeife | 2 January 1992 | 17 November 1993 | SDP |
11 | Dabo Aliyu | November 1993 | December 1993 | Police |
12 | Mike Attah | 9 December 1993 | 21 August 1996 | Military |
13 | Rufai Garba | 21 August 1996 | 6 August 1998 | Military |
14 | Emmanuel Ukaegbu | 6 August 1998 | 29 May 1999 | Military |
15 | Chinwoke Mbadinuju | 29 May 1999 | 29 May 2003 | PDP |
16 | Chris Ngige | 29 May 2003 | 17 March 2006 | PDP |
17 | Peter Obi | 17 March 2006 | 3 November 2006 | APGA |
18 | Virginia Etiaba | 3 November 2006 | 9 February 2007 | APGA |
19 | Peter Obi | 9 February 2007 | 17 March 2014 | APGA |
20 | Willie Obiano | 17 March 2014 | 17 March 2022 | APGA |
21 | Charles Chukwuma Soludo | 17 March 2022 | Incumbent | APGA |
Who Was The First Governor Of Anambra State?
John Atom Kpera was the first Governor of Anambra State in Nigeria from March 1976 to July 1978. Anambra State was created from the old East Central State during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo.
Kpera was also the Military Governor of Benue State from January 1984 to August 1985. Kpera was born in Mbatierev, Gboko Local Government Area, now in Benue State. He attended Katsina-Ala College for his secondary education before joining the army.
John received his Military Cadet Training at the Haile Selassie Military Academy in Ethiopia and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in 1965.
In his military career, he held various command and staff appointments, including Engineers Brigade Commander and Commander, Corps of Engineers.
Kpera played a role in Nigeria’s first military coup on January 15, 1966, assisting Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu in an attempt to overthrow the Northern Region government.
Although the coup did not succeed, it led to Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi assuming power in the first Nigerian military government. As Military Governor of Anambra State, Kpera served during the regime of Olusegun Obasanjo.
After his tenure, he became Commandant of the Army School of Engineers Headquarters and later Director of Manpower at the Nigerian Army Headquarters.
Who Is The Current Governor Of Anambra State And His Deputy?
The current governor of Anambra State is Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, who assumed office on March 17, 2022. He won the 2021 Anambra State gubernatorial election under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) party.
Dr. Nkem Okeke is the deputy governor of Anambra State. Dr. Okeke happens to be the brother of the Anglican bishop of the Diocese of the Niger, Archbishop Alexander Ibezim.
Soludo’s journey to the governorship began with his aspiration in 2009, and after joining APGA, he won the 2021 election.
His tenure began amidst a notable incident where unidentified gunmen disrupted an interactive session, resulting in the tragic loss of three police officers. Despite such challenges, Soludo officially took office in March 2022.
READ ALSO: List Of Governors Of Borno State (1976-Present)
Which Year Was Peter Obi Governor Of Anambra State?
Peter Obi served as the Governor of Anambra State for two separate terms. He first took office in March 2006 after a legal battle and was impeached briefly before being reinstated in February 2007.
His first term lasted until May 2007 when a new winner was declared, but the Supreme Court reinstated him in June 2007. Peter Obi won a second term in the 2010 gubernatorial election and served until March 2014 when Willie Obiano assumed office.
Throughout his tenure, Obi faced challenges and controversies but also gained recognition as an advocate for good governance. His political career stretches beyond his time as governor, including his candidacy for the presidency in the 2023 election.
Who Has Been The Best Governor Of Anambra State?
According to a recent poll conducted by Financial Street, Willie Obiano, the immediate past governor of Anambra State, has emerged as the best governor in the state since 1999.
The survey, which focused on project funding, impact, and scale of investment, as well as security of projects, credited Obiano with excellence in infrastructure, agriculture, trade, and investment.
The findings reveal that 79% of respondents rated Obiano above former governors in the area of agribusiness, while 71% and 66% stated that he outperformed previous administrations in investment/trade and general infrastructure, respectively.
Additionally, about 61% of respondents rated Dr. Chris Ngige highest in road construction and maintenance, followed by Peter Obi and Obiano.
In education, the administration of Peter Obi received the highest rating at 69%, while Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju scored 51% in security, and Obiano obtained 38%.
Key projects highlighted by respondents include signature flyovers, the Anambra International Convention Centre, and the Anambra International and Cargo Airport.
Obiano’s administration was also commended for enhancing the Anambra Rice brand, introducing the first digital databank for Anambra farmers, and establishing an active situation room for progress monitoring and evaluation