Backed by Tinubu, APC’s Ukachukwu Sets Sights on Soludo in Fierce Anambra Governorship Showdown

 

The race to the Anambra Government House in 2025 is heating up as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has declared his firm backing from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signaling a major face-off with the incumbent governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Ukachukwu, who emerged victorious in the APC’s governorship primary election with 1,455 votes, was officially presented with the Certificate of Return on Wednesday. The presentation was conducted by APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) approved the primary results.

In his address, Ganduje called on all aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders to put internal differences aside and unite behind Ukachukwu in the build-up to the November 8, 2025 governorship poll. “This is the time to show strength and unity as a party,” Ganduje charged, emphasizing the need for a collective push to reclaim Anambra for the APC.

Speaking to reporters shortly after receiving the certificate, Ukachukwu expressed full confidence in his chances of clinching victory, especially with what he described as unwavering support from President Tinubu. He dismissed any claims that Soludo may be enjoying presidential favor.

“There is nothing like that,” Ukachukwu said, referring to speculations of Tinubu's support for Soludo. “Our president is a party man to the core. He cannot fall, and he will not fall. He has not decided to, and he will never.”

The APC flagbearer questioned the logic behind Soludo’s alleged appeal for presidential support, suggesting it contradicted APGA’s traditional posture of independence from the federal structure.

“If APGA is sellable without the center, why are they begging the center? Why is he relying on the president for support? What is popular to win if he is popular?”

Ukachukwu went on to make a bold assertion: Soludo, despite being the sitting governor, is contesting as a candidate for the very first time. According to him, Soludo’s initial 2021 victory was largely orchestrated by the influence of his predecessor, Willie Obiano, and the APGA political machinery.

“Soludo has not presented himself for election before. Obiano, during the power of incumbency, joined us together and then we all supported Soludo to win. That was how he won,” Ukachukwu stated. “This is the first time he is presenting himself to Anambra to vote for him as a person. And now, we want to know whether he is popular or not.”

Drawing historical parallels, Ukachukwu reminded the public of former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju, who served only one term in office, hinting that the same fate could await Soludo if he fails to prove his electoral strength.

On reports that some APC members had exited the party following the primary election, Ukachukwu was unbothered. He downplayed the significance of such moves, noting that party switches are a common phenomenon in Anambra politics.

“Even the person holding the PDP ticket in Anambra was a former APGA member. So if somebody has left APC, someone has also left APGA too. It’s not something new,” he concluded.

As the countdown to the November poll begins, all eyes will be on Anambra, where political heavyweights are bracing for a contest that promises drama, high stakes, and a defining moment in the state’s political trajectory.