Obiano Denies Endorsing Any Governorship Aspirant in Texas: A Deep Dive into the Politics, Propaganda, and the Battle for Anambra 2025

In the build-up to the Anambra 2025 gubernatorial election, Nigeria’s political landscape is already heating up with intrigue, propaganda, and strategic maneuvering by various stakeholders. One of the recent flashpoints came from a viral social media post alleging that Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, the former governor of Anambra State, endorsed a particular aspirant during a supposed speech to Ndi Anambra in Texas, United States.

The report was swiftly debunked by Dr. Paul Nwosu, former Commissioner for Information under Obiano’s administration, who described the post as “fake news” and emphasized that the former governor had not spoken to any political gathering, granted interviews, or released any statement endorsing any aspirant.

This incident, while seemingly isolated, reveals much more about the desperate tactics in Nigerian politics, the relevance of Obiano in Anambra’s political terrain, and the brewing contest that will shape the state’s future leadership.

On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, social media platforms, particularly Facebook and WhatsApp groups frequented by Ndi Anambra at home and in the diaspora, were abuzz with a graphic and post claiming that Chief Obiano, popularly known as Akpokuedike, had endorsed a “competent and God-fearing aspirant” during a meeting with Anambra indigenes in Texas.

The post claimed that Obiano praised the aspirant’s integrity, capacity to transform the state, and alignment with his developmental vision.

While the identity of the said aspirant was not immediately clear, screenshots began circulating, suggesting the aspirant was either from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) or a relatively new party aligned with Obiano’s former political associates.

However, in a swift and unequivocal rebuttal, Dr. Paul Nwosu issued a formal statement on behalf of Chief Obiano:

“The attention of His Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Willie Maduabuchi Obiano (Akpokuedike Aguleri), former Governor of Anambra State, has been drawn to a viral social media post falsely attributing to him an endorsement of a particular aspirant in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election.”

He continued:

“The fake statement mischievously claims that Chief Obiano, while allegedly addressing Ndi Anambra in Texas, urged them to support a certain aspirant who would reportedly perform excellently as Governor of Anambra State. Let it be clearly stated that Chief Obiano neither addressed any gathering of Ndi Anambra in Texas nor granted any interview or issued any statement, publicly or privately, concerning the forthcoming election or any aspirant.”

The statement went further to affirm Obiano’s commitment to the peace and progress of Anambra State, and his intention to make his views known through proper channels if and when the time comes.

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Although his tenure as governor ended in 2022, Chief Willie Obiano remains a key political figure in Anambra State and Nigeria’s Southeast. Having governed Anambra from 2014 to 2022 under the APGA banner, Obiano carved a reputation for himself as an administrator who prioritized infrastructure, urban renewal, and support for small businesses.

Despite controversies that trailed parts of his administration—including an EFCC arrest at the airport over alleged mismanagement of public funds—Obiano still commands loyalty among parts of the political elite and electorate in Anambra, especially in his native Aguleri axis.

In political circles, Obiano is seen as someone whose endorsement can sway momentum, especially given the fragmented state of APGA and the emergence of new parties ahead of the 2025 elections.

Sources close to the Obiano camp suggest that the fabrication was designed to test the waters—to gauge how the public would respond to the idea of Obiano backing a candidate, and potentially force his hand into speaking sooner than planned.

“This was a trap,” said a former aide who worked with Obiano between 2018 and 2022. “They wanted to push the narrative early and cause confusion in the APGA and other camps. But they miscalculated—Obiano is not the kind of man you can blackmail into premature declarations.”

In this climate, endorsements—especially from politically symbolic figures like Obiano, Peter Obi, or even Soludo himself—carry immense weight.

The attempt to fabricate Obiano’s position is, therefore, not just mischief, but a strategic political play, possibly by desperate aspirants trying to secure media validation or grassroots appeal.

It remains unclear what role Chief Obiano intends to play in the 2025 elections. Political observers are divided on this.

Some argue that Obiano may prefer to play the elder statesman—staying above the fray and only intervening to mediate tensions or endorse consensus.

Others believe he could act as a kingmaker, using his influence, especially in Anambra North, to push forward a loyalist or technocrat aligned with his governance ideology.

Either way, this fabricated Texas endorsement forces him into the political spotlight—much earlier than he may have wished.

For now, his silence, except for the denial through Paul Nwosu, suggests a man deliberately calculating his next move.

The swift response by Paul Nwosu is a testament to the power of timely communication in defusing propaganda. In an age where viral content spreads in minutes, having reliable and respected voices issue counter-statements is critical.

Political observers have praised Nwosu’s tone—firm but not combative, rooted in facts and aimed at protecting the dignity of the former governor.

Going forward, political actors must invest in proactive media relations, ensuring their positions are clear and public to prevent misrepresentation.

Similarly, social media platforms must develop localized misinformation detectors, especially during Nigerian election cycles.

As the clock ticks towards November 2025, expect more waves of propaganda, last-minute alliances, and battles for the soul of Anambra’s leadership.

In the end, the people of Anambra must demand transparency, truth, and maturity from their leaders—and be discerning in an age where every phone can be a propaganda machine.

The fake Texas endorsement saga is a cautionary tale. It reflects the desperation of some political aspirants, the fragility of public perception, and the importance of dignified silence in the face of falsehood.

Obiano’s restraint—and his team’s mature response—shows that sometimes, power lies not in the microphone, but in the ability to know when to speak, and how.

In a country struggling to build political institutions rooted in integrity and truth, the road to 2025 must be paved with facts—not fiction.

And as for the people, they must remain vigilant, refusing to be pawns in the hands of manipulators and spin doctors.