Soludo Raises Red Flag Over Alleged APC Plot to Hijack Anambra Guber Election, Calls for Vigilance and Political Responsibility

 

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has sounded a firm warning against what he describes as a covert plot by the All Progressives Congress to tamper with the outcome of the forthcoming Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.

Speaking before a massive crowd of All Progressives Grand Alliance loyalists at Ekwulobia Urban Stadium in Aguata Local Government Area, Soludo used the rally as a platform to caution political actors, especially those from Anambra South, who he believes are undermining the political equilibrium of the state.

The governor, visibly charged and outspoken, criticized some of the aspirants for lacking genuine intentions, referring to them as charlatans and impostors. According to him, Anambra cannot afford to fall into the hands of individuals without vision or character, especially after producing great leaders such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Nwafor Orizu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Prof. Chinua Achebe.

He minced no words in calling out aspirants who have been going around promising to serve a single term, branding such pledges as deceptive and indicative of poor mental readiness for governance. He questioned their sincerity and even suggested that they may be in need of psychiatric evaluation.

Asserting his belief in competence and continuity, Soludo pointed to what he described as tangible achievements over his first four years in office. He maintained that his record stands as the most convincing reason for seeking re-election, rather than mere promises and theatrics from political opportunists.

A significant portion of his speech was also dedicated to condemning what he termed "street-level political mercenaries" who are allegedly using campaign platforms to scam unsuspecting members of the public and business communities in the state.

Addressing the security challenges that have troubled parts of Anambra, the governor renewed his call for peace. He extended another amnesty offer to armed groups still hiding in the forests, urging them to surrender and embrace the state’s rehabilitation programme or face full government force. He noted that Anambra must not be held hostage by criminal elements when the government has continued to extend an olive branch.

While the rally served as a loud endorsement of Soludo’s second-term ambition, he clarified that his official campaign had yet to begin. Nonetheless, he expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming show of support and said it was a humbling experience. According to him, the rally was entirely coordinated and financed by enthusiastic party members and stakeholders across the state, with no government funds involved.

As a show of unity and support, APGA stakeholders in Anambra South not only endorsed Soludo’s re-election bid but also formally adopted Chief Emma Nwachukwu as the party’s candidate for the upcoming senatorial by-election on August 16, 2025. The rally provided an opportunity to display party strength and cohesion, particularly in the face of growing political tensions.

A generous ₦100 million donation was presented by stakeholders from Anambra South to boost Soludo’s campaign war chest. The move signaled that the governor enjoys substantial backing from both political elites and grassroots supporters.

Cultural recognition accompanied political support at the event, as traditional rulers from Anambra South honored Soludo with the chieftaincy title "Olu Atuegwu," a title already bestowed upon him in both the Central and Northern senatorial districts of the state. The repeated conferment of this title across regions highlights his wide acceptance and influence.

Present at the rally were key APGA figures including the party’s National Chairman, former Deputy Governor Virgy Etiaba, and an array of state and local government executives. Traditional rulers, community leaders, and other political heavyweights also turned out in large numbers, signaling a consolidated front in support of the governor.

Soludo’s speech and the entire atmosphere at the rally underscored a critical message, Anambra’s future, according to him, must not be left in the hands of those lacking purpose, vision, or integrity. He insisted that the state needs seasoned leadership rooted in credibility, not those motivated by self-interest or external political influence.

As the governorship election draws closer, the political environment in Anambra is heating up, and Soludo’s latest remarks have set the tone for what is likely to be a highly contested and closely watched race.