Anambra Guber: Candidates Brace Up for Campaigns

As the Anambra State governorship election draws close, candidates of the various political parties have deployed various tactics to woo supporters. David-ChyddyEleke reports that while Governor ChukwumaSoludo is in the United States rendering account to Anambra diaspora community, Nicholas Ukachukwu is paying thank you tour to all local government areas for electing him as the party’s candidate.

On June 11, 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) flagged off campaigns for all political parties participating in the Anambra governorship election.

A total of 16 political parties were listed for the contest, but unlike what was expected; only few of the parties and their candidates have commenced campaigns in the state. These include the incumbent governor, Prof ChukwumaSoludo and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Chief Jeff Nweke of Action Alliance (AA).

While Governor Soludo has not flagged off campaigns officially, his position as the incumbent has been an enabler for the organization of multiple rallies already in the state. Though he has not officially flagged off his campaigns, Soludo recently held rallies organized in his honour by his political supporters in parts of the state, showcasing his huge war chest in the coming election. Two weeks ago at Otuocha in Anambra East Local Government Area, some of his supporters organized a rally in his honour, where he was crowned by all the traditional rulers in the northern senatorial district of the state as Oluatuegwu; a title that spoke volumes of his workaholic nature. Not done, Soludo is in US, to hold a town hall meeting with Anambra indigenes in US and North America.

Though his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime has vowed that it has nothing to do with campaigns, but a mere forum to account to the people of his progress in the state, it is however evident that many Anambra indigenes live in such countries, especially those who have dependants at home, whose decision they can also influence.

Aburime said: “As the 2025 Anambra State governorship election draws closer, political candidates are crisscrossing the state, making promises and rallying support, but while opposition candidates are deep in campaign mode, Governor Soludo is taking a different approach, one that demonstrates his commitment to good governance over routine politics. That is how statesmen and visionary leaders are separated from politicians. Visionary leaders are mindful of leaving enduring positive impact while politicians are desperate to just win the next election.                   

“On Sunday, July 6, the governor will engage with the Anambra Diaspora community in the US and North America at a town hall meeting in Maryland. This is not an election campaign stop; it is another chapter in his administration’s untiring dedication to accountability and inclusive governance that has been the trend in the past three years. Governor Soludo’s decision to embark on this Diaspora engagement at a time when others would be focusing solely on the upcoming election speaks volumes about his leadership philosophy. Unlike typical politicians who flood the airwaves with their usual empty promises as elections approach, Governor Soludo is choosing to let his record speak for itself,” Aburime said.

In the case of Ukachukwu, while he has not also officially commenced campaigns, his Local Government ‘thank you’ tour, which was meant to appreciate party faithful for his election as candidate of the party has taken the shape of a full blown campaign.

So far, Ukachukwu has visited 18 out of the 21 local government areas of the state. In each of the local governments, his supporters had organized heavily to host him and also pledge their support for him. During one of such visits in Ayamelum LGA, Ukachukwu insisted that there are benefits in connecting to the centre through APC. He had said: “You must be sure you follow people who have integrity, people who will make promises and abide by them. There is a lot to be gotten from the federal government.

“There are loans that people in states connected to the centre are enjoying and that is where we want to empower people from. Let us join APC, let us connect Anambra to the centre and you will be shocked the level of prosperity that you will witness. We want a state where we will look forward to finances from state and from federal government, there is a lot to be done and just one source of income cannot guarantee that we can meet the things we have at hand to do for our people.”

Also in Anambra East Local Government Area during another visit, a former member of the House of Representatives for Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, Hon Peter Madubueze, stated that their area has not enjoyed any benefit from APGA all these years, and that there was need to change leadership. He assured the APC and her candidate of their bloc vote, and regretted that their many years of support for APGA and it’s governorship candidates had been a complete disaster characterized by huge political deceit.

Another candidate who has made moves in kick-starting his campaign is Chief Jeff Nweke of Action Alliance. The candidate who many have described as ‘Bad Boy Governor’ had recently kicked off his campaign in Awka where he hails from. Known for controversial moves, and also popular by two of his many monikers – Nigga and OzoZuluezu, which is his traditional title, his campaign flag off had witnessed a massive attendance. This was not a shock however as he is running for governor at a time when there is a heavy allegation around his neck, which borders on the disappearance of a businessman in Awka, Mr Ben Ezemma, also known as Big Ben, who has been missing for about eight months now.

The candidate had earlier been arraigned in court and later granted bail when his accusers failed to establish a link between him and the missing man. For a man facing such allegations, many had trooped to the campaign venue to see for themselves if he is truly in the race. While addressing his supporters, Nweke vowed to leave no stone unturned in his quest to be governor of Anambra State, while also pledging to ensure he fights hunger, insecurity and unemployment when he becomes governor.

He said: “My mission is simple: to wipe away the tears of hunger, unemployment, insecurity and deprivation among members of the downtrodden, and bring succour to them. I believe our people deserve the best. I’m offering a fresh vision that prioritizes quality education, improved infrastructure and fight against hunger and poverty through meaningful empowerment. Under my watch as governor, it is ‘You First’. That is democracy, a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

“We will prioritize security. My government will not witness any form of Fulani herdsmen kidnap or from some of our brothers who call themselves unknown gunmen. Maybe you people don’t know, I’m a security expert and we know what to do when we come aboard. This campaign is about you. I’m seeking your support so that together we can correct the anomalies and deliver the true dividends of democracy to our people,” he said.

As the state moves deep into campaigns, it is expected that most candidates will still flag off their campaigns to tell Anambra people what their government holds in stock for them. THISDAY however gathered that Governor Soludo will in August flag off his campaign. He had earlier been quoted as saying he was not in a hurry to commence campaigns as he is more engrossed with issues of governance. Sources said many other candidates were afraid of starting campaigns early as it aids over spending and they’re only willing to start close to the November 8, 2025 election, so that their funds can make meaningful impact.