An average Anambra person does not expect much from the people in Government. Ever since the genocidal war which ended in 1970, the mindset of an average Anambra person is to struggle to survive. Personal survival becomes the order of the day! The generation that tested the visionary leadership of Dr Michael Okpara was traumatized with the horror of Biafra – Nigeria war and have to survive by playing politics of praise singing to remain relevant in Nigeria power game. Let’s be clear without any ambiguity, the primary purpose of Government as captured in section 14 (2) b of Nigerian constitution is to provide security and social welfare .
Prof Chukwuma Soludo being a renowned Professor of economics came into the scene with Dubai- Taiwan mantra promising to create at least 130,000 jobs annually . Of course, we trusted him as former CBN Governor with global links in several financial institutions of the world. One would have expected Mr Governor to bring the world to Anambra State to provide the people of Anambra with affordable housing, affordable and steady electricity, surplus and cheap food as well as highly motivated public and civil servants. However, Prof Soludo ”major” achievement in the last three years is building roads and bridges across all the local governments in Anambra State including funcity and new government house. Kudos to Soludo administration for the fit he has achieved in road construction. There was a time in Anambra State when paying salaries is part of campaign achievement. But, after Peter Obi administration, paying salary of civil servants was no longer an issue. Because of low quality jobs done on road construction by two previous administration(s), most roads in State have collapsed, begging for immediate attention including new once, hence the need to play the politics of road construction which is not entirely bad.
Road construction is often heralded as a symbol of progress, development, and good governance. However, in many political contexts—especially in developing nations—it is also a deeply strategic and politicized act, intricately linked to re-election ambitions. As elections approach, roads suddenly appear where none existed, and dormant projects spring to life. This phenomenon speaks volumes about the intersection between infrastructure development and political survival, particularly the quest for a second tenure.
Roads as Political Capital
Roads serve both a functional and symbolic purpose. They enhance connectivity, boost local economies, and improve access to social services. But politically, they are visible, tangible signs of “development” that politicians can point to as evidence of performance.
In contexts where accountability mechanisms are weak, and voters rely heavily on physical signs of progress, road construction becomes a convenient campaign tool. Politicians leverage roads to: demonstrate achievements during their first term; reward loyal constituencies.
But, Timing is everything. Strategy development attracts economic growth, increases the general well-being of the people as well as create happiness among the populace. This is not the case of the sudden accelerated road projects in the election year, often dubbed –electoral roads .Why all this fanfare for completing a road with tax payers’ money? Emptiness and lack of vision could be the main reason most Governor throw party for building public infrastructure
Selective Construction and Strategic Neglect
Not all roads are created equal—politically speaking. Resource allocation often reflects electoral calculations more than equitable development needs. Some characteristics of politically motivated road construction include: favoring vote-rich areas that can swing elections, ignoring opposition strongholds, using roads as bargaining chips for endorsements or political alliances, awarding contracts to cronies who fund campaign machinery among others. In some instances, roads are left incomplete or shoddily built, only to be re-awarded at inflated costs during the next campaign cycle.
The “Second Tenure Syndrome”
The first tenure is often a preparatory phase—setting the stage for re-election. For many incumbents, the second tenure campaign becomes a make-or-break moment. The urgency to show results intensifies, and road construction takes center stage in campaign rhetoric:
“Look at the roads we’ve built” becomes a staple line in campaign speeches
Billboards display before-and-after images of highways
State media highlight road projects in weekly performance scorecards
This strategy often works because roads are easier to communicate to the electorate than abstract reforms in governance or long-term economic policies.
Challenges and Consequences
While road construction can indeed bring real benefits, its politicization also raises serious concerns:
1. Misallocation of resources – Projects are not always based on actual needs but on electoral gain.
2. Short-termism – Focus is on quick wins rather than durable, strategic infrastructure.
3. Corruption – Contracts are often inflated or awarded without transparency.
4. Poor quality roads – Rushed projects may not meet technical standards.
5. Neglect of other sectors – Health, education, and job creation may be sidelined.
A Way Forward
To improve the general well-being of the people, the incoming Governor of Anambra State should desist from building political roads and concentration on reforms that will ensure prompt public service delivery, highly motivated workforces as well as creating a productive environment where rule of law is the guiding principle. Strategic road construction should be intentional and will come with master plan for short term and long term plan covering the areas like housing villages and communities, industrial and agricultural areas, markets and business locations. When a Governor inspires the people, they will join hands with him to build a modern society. When Soludo administration was about to be inaugurated four years, not less than 10,000 professionals offered to serve the State pro bono but after the swearing in, those who indicated interest to serve were never contacted. Going forward, the incoming Governor should encourage those with passion and change agents to volunteer their services to the State in the areas of urban and rural planning, food production, voter education, functional education , housing , health etc.
Ultimately, infrastructure should serve the people—not just the political ambitions of those in power.
Conclusion
The politics of road construction reveals much about how development is used—and often abused—for electoral gain. While roads are essential, their politicization can distort priorities, breed inefficiency, and undermine trust in governance. As voters become more discerning, there is hope that performance in office—not campaign theatrics—will become the true road to second tenure. Politics of human development, good governance and lifting people out of poverty should be encouraged as Government has capacity to fix everything with massive support of the people.
Anaenugwu Ndubuisi
GGM Ambassador General
