Anambra 2025: Guber Race Heats Up as APC’s Ukachukwu Calls N50m Campaign Fee a Ploy to Derail Candidacy

 

Tensions are rising ahead of the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, as Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has publicly condemned the N50 million campaign permit fee recently announced by the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSAA). Describing the fee as “fraudulent,” Ukachukwu argued it was designed not as regulation, but as an obstacle to his electoral ambition.

Speaking to journalists following a high-profile endorsement by the people of Nri community in Anoacha Local Government Area, Ukachukwu decried the imposition of such a hefty sum as an “attempt to silence” viable opposition. He maintained that the campaign permit demand was nothing more than an intimidation tactic masked as administrative policy.

"The N50 million permit is not only outrageous but fraudulent," he stated pointedly. "It is a political tool intended to undermine our campaign’s momentum. This is an attack on democracy and a slap in the face of every law-abiding political aspirant in this state.”

While promising to issue a detailed statement in due time, Ukachukwu called on APC supporters across Anambra to remain calm and avoid any confrontations. He insisted that the party would not be swayed by what he called "desperate attempts to derail a growing movement for change."

The APC candidate’s remarks came shortly after he received a massive show of support from the Nri community, where residents endorsed both him and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife. The endorsement, made through a unanimous voice vote at the town’s bustling market square, drew thousands of party supporters and stakeholders.

Expressing gratitude to the community, Ukachukwu said the endorsement was a reflection of the people's deep yearning for transformative governance and inclusive leadership. “I’m deeply honored by the overwhelming support from Nri today. It’s clear the people want change—and not just any change, but purposeful, people-driven leadership. This is what we in the APC are prepared to deliver,” he told cheering supporters.

The endorsement event was attended by notable political figures including the State Chairman of APC, Chief Basil Ejidike, and High Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo. Their presence further solidified the weight of support behind Ukachukwu’s candidacy, especially as the APC looks to strengthen its base in a state that has traditionally leaned toward other political blocs.

Ukachukwu also took time to applaud his running mate, Senator Ekwunife, crediting her grassroots influence and strategic political outreach for galvanizing support within the Nri community. “Senator Ekwunife has been a bridge-builder and a unifier. Her ability to draw people from across party lines is commendable. Together, we intend to run a government that listens and acts—one that truly represents every community in this state.”

He reaffirmed his campaign promise to implement a partnership-based governance model, where all 179 communities in Anambra would have a voice, regardless of political affiliation. “Our administration will not be a government of isolation or favoritism. Every community, large or small, will be a stakeholder. That’s the future we’re building.”

Ukachukwu also reiterated his commitment to connecting Anambra State more effectively to the national government, stating that his administration would prioritize aligning state development with federal initiatives.

Political analysts suggest that the N50 million permit issue may become a flashpoint in the coming weeks, as opposition parties could rally against what many are already calling an “institutionalized attempt at voter suppression.” Meanwhile, the APC campaign appears energized by the Nri endorsement, viewing it as a sign of momentum shifting in their favor.

With just under five months to the governorship election, the political temperature in Anambra continues to rise. Prince Ukachukwu’s campaign has now positioned itself as both a voice of the people and a victim of targeted political antagonism, a dual narrative that could either galvanize mass support or draw further resistance from entrenched state institutions.

As events unfold, all eyes will be on how the Anambra electorate responds to both the campaign rhetoric and the policies that may either empower or impede their right to choose freely.