Soludo’s Wife Fires Back At Ekwunife Over Body Odour Claims, Questions Authenticity Of Senator’s Academic Credentials

 

The political landscape in Anambra State has been rattled by a heated verbal exchange between the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Frances Nonye Soludo, and Senator Uche Ekwunife, the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). What began as an unexpected personal attack from Senator Ekwunife against Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has spiraled into a public war of words, drawing attention across the state and beyond.

A viral video surfaced recently showing Senator Ekwunife mocking Governor Soludo with startling remarks. She alleged that the governor suffers from both mouth and body odour, comments that shocked many and quickly set social media buzzing. While political rivalry in Nigeria often comes with harsh words, many observers described her statement as crossing the line into personal insult rather than political criticism.

Mrs. Soludo, not one to shy away from defending her family, responded with a strongly worded statement issued through her media adviser, Mr. Daniel Ezeigwe. She made it clear that her husband’s reputation, as well as her own, would not be dragged into the mud by what she described as fabrications and deliberate mischief.

According to her, the Senator should redirect her energy towards addressing the mounting allegations surrounding her academic qualifications. It has been claimed that Ekwunife’s PhD was obtained from an unaccredited institution, and critics argue that the degree is fake. Mrs. Soludo seized on this controversy, urging the lawmaker to clarify the matter to the people of Anambra rather than resorting to name-calling.

She explained that contrary to the claims made in the viral video, she never played any role in the government of former Anambra Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju. At the time of that administration, she was already focused on building a career as an entrepreneur with interests in agriculture and real estate. The attempt by Senator Ekwunife to associate her with that government, she said, was nothing but a “statement of mischief and pure deceit.”

The governor’s wife went further to state that she would never stoop to the level of political or personal debasement. She noted that as someone widely respected by the people of Anambra, she understands the responsibilities that come with her position and would rather be remembered for service than for petty quarrels. However, she stressed that silence should not be mistaken for weakness, and false claims directed at her or her family would be countered with facts.

Observers say Mrs. Soludo’s response was not only an attempt to protect her husband’s image but also to draw public focus back to issues of accountability. She challenged Senator Ekwunife directly, calling on her to produce verifiable evidence that her PhD and other degrees are genuine. For Mrs. Soludo, this was a more pressing matter than peddling unverified insults about another individual’s personal hygiene.

The statement also turned the spotlight back on Senator Ekwunife’s own history in politics. Mrs. Soludo questioned the senator’s role in the Mbadinuju administration, which many recall as a difficult period in Anambra’s history. The suggestion was that Ekwunife had her share of responsibility in what has often been described as one of the most troubled political eras in the state between 1999 and 2003.

By asking the senator to explain her involvement in what she referred to as a “political disaster,” Mrs. Soludo effectively shifted the debate away from personal attacks to political accountability. She urged the senator to stop what she described as “swinging the conversation” and instead face the people of Anambra with explanations of her track record.

The back-and-forth between these two prominent women is seen by many as a reflection of the tense atmosphere ahead of the governorship election. Political analysts note that the campaigns have already started taking on a combative tone, and such fiery exchanges may only intensify as election day draws nearer. While partisans from both sides have taken to social media to defend their leaders, a growing section of the electorate is calling for more focus on developmental issues rather than personal rivalries.

For Mrs. Soludo, her message was clear. She has no intention of engaging in a war of insults but will not allow herself or her husband to be maligned with untruths. Her closing challenge to Senator Ekwunife was pointed: defend your academic record and explain your past political choices, instead of distracting the people with sensational claims.

This episode has further highlighted how fragile and intense political contests in Anambra can become. With the elections drawing closer, the electorate will be watching closely to see whether campaigns remain anchored on verifiable facts and governance issues, or whether they drift further into the realm of personal attacks and sensational headlines.