Anambra 2025 - Labour Party’s George Moghalu Loses To Soludo At His Polling Unit As APGA Tightens Grip On Nnewi North

 

The political atmosphere in Anambra State turned tense on Saturday as early results from the ongoing governorship election began to filter in. At Uruagu Ward 1, Polling Unit 017 in Nnewi North Local Government Area, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, George Moghalu, suffered a surprising setback after losing his polling unit to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo. The outcome of the poll stirred discussions among voters and political observers who expected Moghalu to perform more strongly on his home turf.

Figures from the polling unit revealed a clear lead for APGA, with Soludo emerging victorious by a comfortable margin. Out of 463 registered voters, only 86 were accredited for the exercise, reflecting the low turnout that characterized several polling stations across the state. Soludo secured 57 votes, while Moghalu managed to gather 22 votes at the same polling unit where he cast his ballot earlier in the day. The remaining votes were split among other political parties, signaling a scattered support base beyond the leading contenders.

Observers present at the polling unit described the voting process as peaceful and orderly, though the mood among Labour Party supporters turned somber once the results were tallied. Many of Moghalu’s loyalists, who had arrived with high expectations, quietly left the premises after the announcement. The APGA supporters, on the other hand, celebrated modestly, waving party flags and chanting victory songs for Soludo, who appears to be consolidating his influence in Anambra’s central and northern zones.

The result at Uruagu Ward 1 underscores the continuing dominance of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Anambra’s political landscape. For over a decade, APGA has maintained its hold on the state through successive electoral victories, largely attributed to its grassroots mobilization, local identity appeal, and the legacy of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Soludo, who is seeking re-election, appears to be building upon that foundation by emphasizing stability, continuity, and developmental governance.

Political analysts following the election interpret Moghalu’s loss at his polling unit as an early indicator of the broader challenge facing opposition parties in the state. Despite the rising popularity of the Labour Party across Nigeria following recent general elections, its local structures in Anambra remain relatively weak compared to APGA’s deeply entrenched political machinery. Some analysts, however, caution that it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions, noting that results from other wards and local government areas are yet to be fully collated.

Residents of Nnewi North expressed mixed reactions to the early results. A number of voters described Soludo’s lead as well-deserved, citing his administration’s focus on infrastructure rehabilitation and economic planning. Others lamented what they saw as voter apathy, pointing out that less than a quarter of registered voters participated in the election at the polling unit. Several election observers attributed the low turnout to a combination of voter fatigue, security concerns, and skepticism about the impact of individual votes.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials at the scene confirmed that the voting exercise proceeded without major technical disruptions. BVAS devices functioned effectively, and accreditation was completed smoothly. Counting commenced immediately after the close of voting, with results announced openly in the presence of agents representing all political parties.

As collation continues at ward and local government levels, attention is now shifting to other parts of Anambra State where competition between the major contenders remains tight. Both the Labour Party and APGA have expressed optimism about their overall performance, urging their supporters to remain calm and await official announcements from INEC.

While George Moghalu’s defeat at his own polling unit may not necessarily determine the overall outcome of the election, it sends a symbolic message about the shifting dynamics within Anambra’s political scene. The Labour Party candidate, known for his years of public service and political consistency, will be hoping that results from other wards paint a more favorable picture as counting progresses.

The coming hours promise to be crucial as collation centers across the state begin to compile official figures. Political stakeholders, election observers, and citizens are watching closely, anticipating a clearer picture of where the tide is turning in this highly contested governorship race. Whether Soludo’s early lead marks the beginning of another APGA victory or a temporary advantage remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the people of Anambra are once again shaping the narrative of democratic continuity and political endurance in the southeast.