The recently concluded off-season governorship election in Anambra State has once again brought Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to the spotlight. What many predicted months before the polls eventually came to pass, as Soludo secured a convincing victory. Yet, behind this triumph lies a journey that has been anything but easy.
Long before the election date was announced, opposition to Soludo’s administration had already begun to mount. Late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and several other political figures became vocal critics, with one shared goal to unseat the governor. Despite the visible progress across the state, these politicians constantly pushed their “remove Soludo” agenda, using every opportunity, even unfortunate events, to paint his leadership in a negative light.
Soludo’s tenure has not been without its challenges. Insecurity, at one point, plagued Anambra so frequently that the state became a recurring topic for the wrong reasons. While the governor embarked on ambitious projects such as constructing new roads in previously neglected communities, reviving healthcare facilities, and reintroducing pipe-borne water, isolated incidents of violence or misconduct by local enforcers were often amplified to discredit him.
His administration also had to contend with criminal groups operating under the guise of freedom fighters. Exploiting public sympathy for marginalization, these groups caused chaos across the state. Determined to restore peace, Soludo introduced the Anambra Homeland Security Law and established the Agunechemba Security Outfit, alongside a joint military task force known as Udogachi. These measures curbed the criminal activities that had long haunted several communities, earning him respect from residents who witnessed a return to relative calm.
Even with these achievements, Soludo’s critics refused to relent. They dismissed him as a one-term governor, predicting his downfall. Yet, the governor remained focused. “Mine is an agenda with a deadline,” he often said. “Anambra people hired me for this job, and only they can renew my mandate.” Balancing governance and politics, he continued his work while campaigning, visiting every corner of the state.
In total, fifteen candidates contested the election against him, each representing different parties and regions. Soludo, however, distinguished himself as the only candidate who toured all 179 communities in Anambra. Wherever he went, residents welcomed him warmly, acknowledging the development projects he had delivered. In a remarkable show of trust, many communities voluntarily donated funds to support his campaign, reversing the usual trend where politicians distribute money to buy loyalty.
When the votes were counted, the outcome was emphatic. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, out of 598,229 accredited voters, Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) secured 422,664 votes about 73 percent of the total. His closest rival, the APC’s Ukachukwu, managed 99,445 votes, while other contenders trailed far behind. The electoral commission confirmed that Soludo won two-thirds of the votes across all 21 local government areas, satisfying the legal requirements to be declared the winner.
Speaking to journalists at his country home in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, Soludo described his re-election as a powerful statement of confidence from the people. “Four years ago, we won with 112,000 votes. This time, you spoke loudly with 73 percent of the total votes. Out of 326 wards, we lost only six, winning all 21 local governments. This is a strong message of solidarity,” he said. The governor also extended appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a fair process and praised the Independent National Electoral Commission for a transparent exercise.
He dedicated his victory to the people of Anambra, expressing readiness to continue working without delay. “We will keep pushing forward. For us, this is not about politics but service. Every minute counts because ours is an assignment with a deadline,” he affirmed.
Political observers and party members have since described Soludo’s victory as well-earned. According to the National Chairman of APGA, Sly Ezeokenwa, “The governor’s win is truly deserving. He worked tirelessly, visited every community, and presented a clear vision for the state. This outcome did not surprise us.”
With his re-election secured, Soludo now faces the challenge of deepening his reforms, sustaining peace, and fulfilling the promises that won him the people’s trust once again.
