It wasn’t just a primary election. It was a sweeping declaration from the soul of Anambra State—a unified chorus rising from every village square and urban centre, proclaiming with resolute clarity: Soludo must continue.
In what political analysts have described as an unprecedented display of unity and conviction, all 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra State came together to endorse Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the upcoming gubernatorial election. The endorsement was not merely political—it was personal, a statement of trust, and an affirmation of performance.
At the APGA governorship primary convention, the atmosphere was electrified yet peaceful. A total of 3,260 delegates were accredited, 3,175 votes cast, and 3,168 validated. Every single valid vote went to Soludo. Not one dissenting ballot. It was a clean sweep that signalled more than popularity—it signalled alignment. The entire structure of APGA, from ward to state level, spoke in one voice. The exercise, monitored from start to finish by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was hailed as credible, transparent, and orderly.
Chief Nwaegbo Uche, chairman of the electoral committee, described the outcome as “historic,” underscoring the remarkable unity across Aguata, Anambra East and West, Anaocha, Awka North and South, Ayamelum, Dunukofia, Ekwusigo, Idemili North and South, Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi North and South, Ogbaru, Onitsha North and South, Orumba North and South, and Oyi.
Stepping onto the stage amid roaring applause, Soludo was visibly moved. In his acceptance speech, he anchored his message in the ideological bedrock of APGA, calling it Nigeria’s first registered progressive party and the soul of Anambra politics. “Anambra is APGA, and APGA is Anambra,” he declared to thunderous cheers.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ndi Anambra, traditional rulers, the clergy, student groups, artisans, and the more than sixty support organizations that had propelled the movement. He acknowledged the cash donations, the testimonials describing his administration as “magical,” and the constant moral support from individuals who believed in the cause. Yet, in humility, he reminded them, “We have only scratched the surface.”
Soludo highlighted key milestones achieved under his administration: the recruitment of over 8,000 teachers and public servants across the state; decisive steps in dismantling criminal hideouts and restoring security; support for small businesses and artisans; and a widespread economic uplift powered by micro-enterprise funding and job creation. He pointed to massive road infrastructure projects connecting rural and urban communities, improved waste management systems, and ongoing urban regeneration efforts.
He also celebrated advances in digital governance and reforms aimed at rebuilding the state’s value system, transparency, and accountability. But even with these accomplishments, Soludo emphasized that Anambra’s transformation was far from complete. “This is a collective mission,” he said. “We will win every ward and every polling unit—not just to claim victory, but to build a future where no one is left behind.”
In a moment that blended strategy with sentiment, Soludo made what many had anticipated but still received with great enthusiasm—he announced that Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim would remain his running mate. The decision, he explained, was anchored on the same logic that guided his governance: “If it’s not broken, why mend it?” The Soludo-Ibezim partnership had not only functioned seamlessly but had also delivered visible results. Together, they had steered Anambra through challenges and milestones, with a synergy that had become both functional and formidable.
As the declaration was met with chants and ovation, it became clear that the moment transcended politics. It was a people-powered movement—every vote cast was not just for a man, but for a vision. From the hills of Orumba to the banks of the Omambala River, the message rang out: Anambra had chosen continuity, stability, and leadership that listens.
This wasn’t just a candidacy reaffirmed. It was a future reclaimed. And in the hearts of Ndi Anambra, it was a promise renewed—with clarity, purpose, and the power of one united voice.
