Anambra Guber Candidates Slam Soludo Over ‘No Challenger’ Claim, Accuse Governor of Arrogance and Misrule

Governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and African Action Congress (AAC) have strongly criticised Anambra State Governor and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) flagbearer, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, following his recent claim that he has no credible challenger in the upcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election.

Speaking at an endorsement rally in Awka organised by Anambra Central stakeholders, Soludo dismissed his opponents as unserious contenders merely using the race to solicit funds for personal benefit. “They’re not truly contesting. They are going around begging ministers and politicians for support. We haven’t even started our campaign. Anambra is APGA, and APGA is Anambra,” the governor said.

Reacting to these comments, spokesperson of the APC candidate’s campaign media team, Sir Arinzechukwu Awogu, described Soludo’s remarks as disrespectful and dismissive of genuine contenders. He argued that the APC ticket of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Senator Uche Ekwunife represents a serious challenge and cannot be ignored.

Awogu also accused Soludo of lacking financial transparency, claiming that the governor has refused to disclose his finances prior to becoming the Central Bank Governor. “If Soludo had even five percent of Ukachukwu’s wealth at that time, Ukachukwu pledged to withdraw from the race — yet Soludo hasn’t responded,” Awogu stated.

He further alleged that Soludo is misusing state funds to bankroll his re-election campaign, delaying payments to contractors and delivering substandard infrastructure. “His ambition is being sponsored by public resources, while our candidate, Prince Ukachukwu, is funding his campaign entirely from personal wealth,” Awogu claimed.

Joining the criticism, Onyebuchi Okoye, media aide to LP candidate Dr. George Moghalu, said Soludo has failed Ndi Anambra and is now hiding behind zoning arrangements. According to him, Moghalu presents a credible alternative with a clear, people-focused plan and has pledged to serve only one term if elected. “Governance is not a right but a privilege based on performance. If you haven’t delivered in four years, you don’t deserve another four,” Okoye added.

AAC candidate, Chioma Ifemeludike, also dismissed Soludo’s claims and accused the governor of trying to suppress competition by imposing a N50 million campaign fee on candidates. She insisted she remains a strong contender and revealed plans by her campaign team to launch a youth-focused talent engagement initiative through entertainment and sports, aimed at energising and involving Anambra’s vibrant youth population.

Together, the opposition candidates have challenged Governor Soludo to back his claims with performance and transparency, asserting that the people of Anambra deserve better governance and real leadership come November 8.