Governor Soludo Refutes Native Doctor Consultation Claim, Labels Viral Video a Comedy Skit Misinterpreted

 

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has firmly refuted claims circulating online that suggest he consulted a native doctor in anticipation of the forthcoming November 8 governorship election. The Governor described the allegations as not only untrue but also a deliberate smear campaign orchestrated by political detractors aiming to damage his reputation.

Speaking through his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo addressed the controversy in a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday from the state capital, Awka. According to the release, the circulating video that sparked the uproar was not evidence of a spiritual consultation but a misrepresented moment from an official engagement with content creators.

The statement asserted that what many online commentators and bloggers have chosen to portray as a ritualistic or spiritual session was, in reality, an artistic performance. The video was filmed during an interactive session between the Governor and a group of young Anambra-based content creators at the Government House. This engagement was facilitated by Mazi Ejimofor Opara, the Governor’s Special Senior Assistant on New Media, as part of a broader initiative to nurture and empower talents within the state’s booming creative sector.

What transpired during the session, according to Aburime, was a routine demonstration typical of the creative content shared daily on Nigeria’s social media platforms. One of the creators chose to perform a humorous skit portraying a traditional native doctor — a common trope in Nigerian entertainment known for its exaggerated costumes and dramatic flair. The intent was to entertain and showcase the vibrant comic storytelling that characterizes much of the country’s digital humor space.

“This was a purely comedic performance by one of the participants and was never intended to be misconstrued as a consultation or spiritual session,” Aburime clarified. “Unfortunately, mischief-makers have taken advantage of this video to mislead the public and score cheap political points.”

Rather than serve as a moment of controversy, the event was envisioned as a strategic avenue to deepen collaboration between the state government and Anambra’s digital content creators. Governor Soludo’s administration has consistently highlighted the creative industry as a vital component of its economic development agenda. The recent meeting was just one of several initiatives tailored toward equipping young creatives with platforms for expression and government support.

By encouraging such creative engagements, the administration aims to drive youth empowerment, create job opportunities, and position Anambra as a center for innovation and entertainment in the Southeast region. Soludo’s vision includes expanding the state’s digital economy footprint and integrating local talents into national and global content production ecosystems.

Observers have noted that the timing of the video’s circulation — just months before the scheduled governorship election — raises questions about its authenticity and the motives behind its release. Analysts believe it reflects an intensifying political atmosphere where misinformation and propaganda are deployed as tools to sway public opinion.

Governor Soludo’s team has urged the public to exercise discretion and avoid falling for sensationalist narratives. The press statement emphasized that the Governor remains focused on delivering tangible developmental outcomes for Anambra residents and will not be distracted by campaigns of calumny.

“The Governor’s track record speaks for itself — in governance, in development, and in the creative empowerment of young people. This campaign of distortion is only a testament to the fear and desperation of those who cannot match his achievements with credible alternatives,” the release concluded.

Political commentators within and outside the state have begun weighing in on the incident, with many warning that the weaponization of digital content for character assassination is becoming a growing threat to democratic discourse. Several local groups, including creative associations and youth advocacy platforms, have expressed solidarity with the Governor, calling the viral allegations baseless and disrespectful to the state’s creative community.

As the election season approaches, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile mix of politics and social media — a combination capable of creating stormy controversies out of ordinary events. Despite the noise, Governor Soludo appears poised to continue charting his administration’s course, emphasizing transparency, youth empowerment, and development-oriented leadership as his guiding principles.