Lagos — Gubernatorial elections in Anambra State are not due till February 2010 but the battle for the next occupant of the Governor's Lodge in Awka has already begun in the major political parties.

In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 47 aspirants are reported to have emerged to contest for the party's gubernatorial primaries. This is in spite of the high price of N7.5m placed on the party's nomination forms and administrative charges. Undoubtedly, the PDP in Anambra State must be a party of rich Nigerians. For the leaders of PDP in the state must have raised the entry bar that high to cut down on the number of aspirants. But the high number of aspirants has shown money is not the problem for the PDP in Anambra.

The question to ask now is what really is at stake in the gubernatorial elections of Anambra State? Obviously there is no shortage in the quality of aspirants in terms of education, skills, achievements, and as so amply demonstrated, means. But is the governorship of Anambra State so attractive and lucrative that it can only be contested for by the rich and wealthy? And what does that portend for democracy - the government of the people by the people and for the people - not only in Anambra State but in Nigeria?

Democracy is all about equal opportunities, rights and choice. In Anambra PDP however, it is apparent that only the rich can be eligible to contest. But is this fair or proper? We say no because leadership is not and should not be the monopoly of the rich.

We recall the Ngige governorship during which his sponsor Chris Mba reportedly said he invested in power and wanted the dividends in terms of the number of cabinet slots Ngige would give him in the Anambra State. Obviously, the politicians in Anambra State have not learnt anything from that debacle.

The PDP ward congress in the state was marred by violence. We also note that in the same Anambra State, Andy Uba is still in court challenging the decision of the Supreme Court, the highest Court in the land. Obviously, high stakes breed desperate political actors and participants.

More troublesome to contemplate however is the fate of the present governor Peter Obi who has been denied a form to contest by INEC because the electoral body does not recognise his faction of APGA the ruling party in the state. There is no denying that the governor will head to the courts to redeem his right to contest for another term. But INEC insists on recognising the Chekwas Okorie faction of APGA which organised a convention at which even INEC was not present but at which the faction took a decision to expel the governor and chairman of the other faction of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh. The neutrality of INEC is in doubt here and this can seriously and dangerously mar any elections in Anambra State.

We only hope that the courts will speedily and decisively clarify the role of INEC before the elections so that a peaceful campaign can ensue between now and February 2010, when the elections will hold.

When elephants fight however, it is the ground that suffers. Anambra State today is replete with bad roads, insecurity of life and property, erosion and environmental degradation of various kinds. Are the aspirants really moved by a passion for service to redeem the state from the squalor and ravages of its hostile socio-economic environment? Or are they being propelled by a wish to be governor and allow business to continue as usual at the expense of the electorate?

We honestly hope for the day our politicians are moved by the passion to serve and improve our collective social welfare and well-being. As at now, the clouds gathering on the political horizon are ominous not only in Anambra but the whole of Nigeria and between now and election day is enough time for the above challenges to be addressed to stem violence and electoral fraud.