Anambra 2025: A case of no vacancy?

There are tons of endorsements for Anambra state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, who is running for re-election on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ticket in the November gubernatorial election. The overwhelming number of people who support Governor Soludo surpasses all the support ever given to an incumbent governor in Anambra state’s history, so it is safe to assume that there is no opposition at all. It is also almost impossible to compile the complete list of all the endorsements that are coming to Governor Soludo.

It is important to emphasise that every endorsing group is contributing financially to help the adored governor purchase the party’s reelection form. Even the students who supported Governor Soludo contributed ₦2 million to the cause!

The impressive array of endorsements has 60 support groups uniting to officially express their support for Governor Soludo’s second term. The convergent support groups were unreserved in their praise of Mr Governor’s outstanding accomplishments and vision for a better Anambra.

The solidarity of Governor Soludo’s supporters is demonstrated by their convergence and singleness of purpose. The fact that more than 60 support organisations from throughout Anambra State united in support of Governor Soludo’s reelection campaign brought tears to many people’s eyes. There is no greater indication of inclusive leadership and dedication to the advancement of the state by the solution administration.

It is impossible to overstate the significance of the massive endorsement. The general Anambra public has learnt many lessons, the most important of which is an open acknowledgement of the effective government of their state under Professor Soludo. The broad support for Governor Soludo’s reelection recognises the accomplishments of his administration and its dedication to the advancement of the state.

Given that APGA is at the core of every Anambra man, woman, and child, grassroots mobilisation is, in fact, the foundation of the Soludo support base. The participation of several support groups from around the state, especially grassroots organisations, emphasises how crucial it is to rally support from the bottom up rather than imposing rules from the top down and to govern for the common good rather than settle a few politicians and elites with scarce resources meant for development.

Rumour has it that the opposition parties have more candidates than followers in Anambra State. The overwhelming support for Governor Soludo’s reelection in every ward of Anambra State is a fitting example of the APGA motto, “nkea bu nke anyi.” One may argue that the togetherness and solidarity are impressively unchangeable. “Onye aghana nwanne ya,” or “let no one be left behind,” is the APGA’s motto.

It is important to emphasise that the fact that 60 support organisations came together to approve and even present a staggering N30 million shows how powerful solidarity and unity can be in accomplishing a shared objective. In order to score a stunning goal inside the net come November, the people and the administration are aiming for the same goal. APGA, Soludo’s political party is upbeat and certain of electoral victory in the 21 LGs and now also almost certain it would win the 326 wards in Anambra State.

In an indication of success before the elections, several organisations and groups have hurried to support Governor Soludo. The undeniable evidence everywhere merely confirms my frequent assertion that there is no vacuum.

“I don’t see anyone that can challenge you in the election,” said All Progressives Congress (APC) leader and Works Minister, Engr David Umahi, in a public statement to Governor Soludo. Nobody. Who is that? I see none. Governor Soludo, who works extremely hard, has performed remarkably well, fulfilling all of his promises in his People’s Manifesto. Beyond his manifesto, Soludo has gone. He never promised free education, for instance. However, up to senior secondary school, Anambra children are now eligible for free education, and a subsidy for tertiary students is on the horizon.

Let me reiterate my direct advice to the opposition: let them all support Soludo so that he can run unopposed, just as the APGA did by letting him run as the only candidate and aspirant.

As the Americans say, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

The fact is that no governor before Soludo has completed, in comparison, what he did in three years without taking out a single dime, while also paying off the mountain of debt he inherited from previous state governments. This is not to argue that borrowing is bad as long as it is prudently used to finance productivity rather than consumption. It is a compliment to both Soludo and Anambra State that he has not borrowed. It is indisputable proof of responsible financial management, fiscal discipline, and accountability.

Last but not least, Soludo has implemented a very extensive security intervention that is significantly calming Anambra State and regaining the state’s former reputation as the safest in Nigeria. This is accompanied by the governor’s push for moral rearmament and social reformation to restore the three virtues for which Onye Anambra has always been reputed – Uche (wisdom), Uchu/Igba mbo (hard work), and Egwu Chukwu (fear of God/integrity).

Although it is within their rights to run and lose, there is no benefit to running just to add the pointless title of former governorship candidate to one’s resume. The question now is not whether Soludo would win—he will because there is no other viable option—but rather whether he would make history as the only candidate for governor in a Nigerian general election. Can the opposition, knowing that there is no vacancy in Agu Awka, step aside and support Soludo and use the money they would have wasted for more worthwhile endeavours, like aiding the underprivileged in their communities?

Law Mefor, PhD, is the commissioner for information of Anambra state