Politics
Anambra 2025: Soludo stands tall against the pack
Anambra State holds a critical and strategic place in the socioeconomic and political landscape of both the South East and Nigeria as a whole. It is a land steeped in history, intellect, and national influence. From its wards emerged the Great Zik, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who led Nigeria to independence and became the nation’s first president. The first post-colonial Senate President, Nwafor Orizu, was also a proud son of Anambra.
When Nigeria needed its first indigenous Vice Chancellor for the prestigious University College Ibadan, it turned to an Anambra intellectual, Prof. Kenneth Onwuka Dike. The state also produced the iconic Odumegwu Ojukwu—the first university graduate to join the Nigerian Army—whose father, Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, was West Africa’s pioneering transportation mogul.
From literary giant Chinua Achebe to Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, Olympic gold medalist Emmanuel Ifeajuna, and the current Central Bank Governor Chukwuma Soludo—the second Igbo to hold the position—Anambra’s contributions to Nigeria’s development are both profound and enduring. It is no surprise, then, that political developments in the state always attract national attention.
This context sets the stage for the upcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election.
The ruling party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has unsurprisingly re-nominated the incumbent governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, as its flagbearer. His nomination from the Anambra South Senatorial Zone aligns with a broader regional balance, prompting the two other major parties—the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP)—to also select their candidates from the same zone.
Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), once a major political force, remains fragmented both at the national and state levels. Its current lack of cohesion has largely rendered it irrelevant in the political calculus of the state.
Governor Soludo enters this election with several advantages. Though his administration initially drew criticism for its slow pace of execution, recent strides have significantly reshaped public perception. Notably, his crackdown on cultism masquerading as traditional medicine has earned widespread acclaim. For the first time in years, residents and businesspeople across the state now go about their daily lives with a renewed sense of safety and confidence.
This restoration of public order and security at the grassroots has elevated Soludo’s standing and given APGA a strong platform heading into the polls. With November 8 drawing closer, it appears that many Anambra citizens may be inclined to reward continuity and stability over experimentation.
“For so long, the biggest challenges we have in Anambra State are insecurity, cultism being served as cultural practices, and the sit-at-home invention on Mondays. The first two have been squarely dealt with, while the sit-at-home issue, which is ideological, seems to have become ingrained in our people due to the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. My point is, Soludo may not have accomplished much of what he promised four years ago; however, he has practically solved problems troubling his constituents, and that is the true measure of any competent leader. Therefore, in my opinion, APGA will win the November 8 election,” stated Igwe Onyedikachi, a public affairs analyst.
Anambra is home to millions of Catholics, and knowing this, Soludo has been strategically playing up this religious card. His intense campaign against social vices and practices that are often cloaked in tradition has earned him significant support from the Catholic Church, including bishops and priests, as well as members from other denominations, particularly the Anglicans and Pentecostals. As a result, the church in Anambra will likely be a vocal supporter of his re-election on November 8.
Nonetheless, a considerable mountain of challenges lies ahead for Soludo in his bid for re-election. “I wish Soludo well. However, I am not blind to the fact that the majority of Anambra people do not love or support him. They perceive him as an enemy of the masses. This sentiment stems from his apparent disconnect with Peter Obi, whom the people see as a savior for the country. His prior campaigning against Obi in the last presidential election has not mitigated this unpopularity,” remarked Olisa Oliver.
Moreover, Soludo’s associations with the Bola Tinubu-led APC Federal Government, which many view as responsible for the economic struggles and increased insecurity in Nigeria, have alienated him from the electorate. “Working openly with Tinubu suggests he does not cater to the common interests of the people, and this could backfire come election day,” Oliver warned.
On the other hand, the nomination of George Moghalu as the Labour Party candidate can present a formidable challenge to his opponents. Given Obi’s significant local influence, Moghalu might tap into the established popularity of the Labour Party to secure a victory. “I am unsure of Moghalu’s relationship with Obi, but Obi’s involvement in Nigerian politics is undeniable. As Anambra is Obi’s home state, their alliance could prove beneficial if they collaborate,” noted Adaeze Nwankwo.
Furthermore, the emergence of a non-Catholic coalition in Anambra, promoting the slogan “A Non-Catholic Must Be Elected Anambra Governor On November 8, 2025,” could streamline support for Moghalu if the campaign is executed effectively. Moghalu, who has been preparing for this governorship run since 2025, brings valuable experience and exposure to the table.
Despite being the ruling party at the national level and having governance in two states, the APC still appears to face skepticism from the Igbo populace. Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu will likely need to rely on federal support and personal resources to galvanize voters in hopes of achieving his ambition of leading the state.
The APC’s track record in Anambra has been lackluster since it wrested power from the PDP in 2015, and expectations may not dramatically change this November. Allegations of the APC being anti-Igbo resonate strongly in a business-driven state like Anambra, posing significant hurdles for Ukachukwu to overcome as he seeks to gain traction with voters.
Given how elections have unfolded in Nigeria, particularly in cases like Edo State, where an incumbent governor lost, there are speculations that ruling party strategies might include coercive tactics to secure power. The APC’s access to considerable resources at the federal level could pose a threat if mobilized effectively for Anambra’s election. However, past attempts to exert influence in Anambra have largely failed, as demonstrated in the 2017 and 2021 elections.
Additionally, Ukachukwu faces backlash from the Catholic Church over his significant donation to his Living Faith Church, which may alienate other religious groups. He has been advised to broaden his outreach beyond Catholic circles to avoid a backlash that could jeopardize his campaign.
