Anambra Deserves Leaders Of High Academic Standard, Not Semi Illiterates, Soludo Campaign Team Tells APC Candidates

 

Governor Charles Soludo has launched a scathing attack on the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife. The governor, speaking through his campaign organization, argued that both politicians do not possess the academic competence required to govern a state known for producing some of Nigeria’s brightest and most educated leaders.

The remarks came from Prof. Solo Osita Chukwulobelu, Director General of the Soludo-Ibezim Campaign Organisation and Secretary to the Anambra State Government. He issued a strongly worded statement on behalf of the governor, stressing that the educational background of candidates is not a trivial matter but a defining factor in the leadership of a complex state like Anambra.

According to the campaign team, past governors of the state set high standards in educational achievements and intellectual capacity, with Soludo himself being described as an economist of international repute with impeccable credentials. The statement highlighted that such a legacy cannot be undermined by candidates who appear unable to meet even the most basic requirements of literacy and numeracy.

The campaign team went further to cast doubt on the academic history of Ukachukwu, revealing that the APC candidate’s General Certificate of Education (GCE) results were littered with F9s, including in English, Mathematics, and Economics. The release said these results raise troubling questions about whether Ukachukwu possesses the fundamental skills of reading, writing, and simple arithmetic. Such skills, the statement emphasized, are the minimum foundation for leadership, especially in a state as sophisticated as Anambra.

On the qualifications of Senator Ekwunife, the APC running mate, the campaign team expressed astonishment at her claims in the documents she submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It noted that while she swore to having a GCE and a PhD, there was no record of any undergraduate degree. The campaign suggested that this unusual academic trajectory raises suspicions of questionable credentials, leaving her unfit for the role of deputy governor.

The campaign organization did not mince words, declaring that the APC ticket represents the worst academic profile ever presented for the office of governor in Anambra’s political history. It described both Ukachukwu and Ekwunife as unsuitable to lead a state that prides itself on intellectual excellence, entrepreneurial innovation, and cultural sophistication.

According to Prof. Chukwulobelu, elections should not be treated as popularity contests alone but as serious processes requiring close scrutiny of each candidate’s qualifications. He insisted that Anambra people have always valued education, which has remained central to the progress of the state and its reputation across Nigeria. He stressed that electing individuals without the minimum educational grounding would amount to taking the state backwards.

The campaign message was clear and unapologetic: “Anambra cannot afford to be governed by semi illiterates or by individuals who parade questionable or fake academic credentials.” The team emphasized that governance in the 21st century demands technical knowledge, capacity for analysis, and the ability to engage competently in both national and international economic discourse.

The statement also noted that Soludo’s administration is focusing on delivering tangible value to the people through developmental programs, infrastructure expansion, and policies that uplift education and entrepreneurship. It assured that the campaign will continue to be issues-based, while insisting that the question of academic qualification must remain at the center of political discussions in the ongoing race.

The council further explained that Anambra citizens are too discerning and intellectually advanced to be misled by political propaganda or empty promises from candidates who lack the competence to manage the affairs of the state. It called on voters to carefully consider not just the campaign speeches but also the educational backgrounds and intellectual capacities of those seeking their mandate.

With elections drawing closer, the Soludo campaign team vowed to maintain its focus on the comparative strengths of the candidates. It pledged to demonstrate why continuity under Soludo offers a brighter future, in contrast to what it termed a “ticket of weak academic standing” presented by the APC.

The statement concluded by urging the electorate to protect the image and legacy of Anambra as the home of some of Nigeria’s finest leaders. It insisted that only those who reflect the values of hard work, academic excellence, and integrity should be entrusted with the destiny of the state.

By putting the spotlight on the alleged academic weaknesses of Ukachukwu and Ekwunife, Soludo’s team has made education the central theme of the unfolding campaign battle. Whether this strategy will resonate with voters remains to be seen, but the message was unmistakable: Anambra must not trade its tradition of excellence for mediocrity in the coming election.