In an unprecedented show of political unity, stakeholders from across Anambra State’s three senatorial zones have formally endorsed Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, for a second term ahead of the 8th November 2025 gubernatorial election.
The statewide endorsement momentum began with Anambra North Senatorial Zone stakeholders declaring their support during a rally in Otuocha, Anambra East local government area, in June 2025. This initial backing set the stage for what would become a comprehensive display of political consensus across the state.
Building on this foundation, stakeholders from Anambra Central Senatorial District solidified the endorsement pattern during a massive rally at Ekwueme Square in Awka on Saturday, 26th July 2025. All 109 wards in the Central zone formally adopted the Soludo-Ibezim ticket, with key political figures lending their weight to the endorsement.
“We are targeting to win at least 90 per cent of all the electoral wards in the Central Senatorial Zone,” Governor Soludo declared confidently during the Central zone rally, reflecting his optimism about electoral prospects.
The endorsement gained further momentum when former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, Planning Committee Chairman Chief Dozie Nwankwo, and former PDP chieftain Okey Muo-Aroh publicly threw their support behind the incumbent administration. Their endorsement was explicitly “based on Soludo’s performance in office and his broad vision to make Anambra a model state.”
Completing the statewide endorsement circle, Anambra South Senatorial District unanimously adopted the governor and his deputy as consensus candidates during a gathering at Ekwulobia Township Stadium. Representatives from all seven local government areas in the zone participated in what marked the final piece of the endorsement puzzle.
The South zone event also served a dual purpose, presenting Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu as APGA’s standard bearer for the 16th August 2025 senatorial bye-election. Governor Soludo seized the opportunity to articulate his vision for federal-state collaboration, stating: “A vote for Chief Nwachukwu will ensure the emergence of a Senator who will collaborate closely with the Governor and join the APGA Caucus to implement our policy of working hand-in-hand with the government at the centre.”
The breadth of support became evident through the participation of key stakeholders including Dr. Paschal Agbodike, Member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency; Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme, Majority Leader at the State House of Assembly; Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff to the Governor; Chief Humphrey Anuna, President of the Anambra State Market Traders Association; and Dr. Chibueze Oforbuike, Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area.
Beyond political endorsements, local government workers across Anambra State pledged their support for Governor Soludo’s re-election during the 2025 Anambra Local Government Service Commission Week, held at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka. The workers affirmed their commitment to continuity and sustained development under the current administration.
The endorsement activities were accompanied by significant cultural recognition, with traditional rulers from Anambra North being the first to confer the ‘Oluatuegwu’ chieftaincy title upon Governor Soludo. This honour was subsequently echoed by traditional rulers from the other senatorial zones, further cementing his leadership credentials within traditional community structures across the state.
Displaying characteristic confidence, Governor Soludo addressed the political landscape during the Central zone rally, declaring that “after completing two terms of eight years, he will hand over power to a successor from Anambra Central Senatorial District,” emphasising the state’s adherence to zoning arrangements.
In a bold political assessment, Soludo stated that he has no serious challenger in the 8th November 2025 governorship election, claiming that his opponents are only in the race to raise funds. The governor expressed gratitude to the people of the south senatorial zone and the entire state for their proactive campaign involvement, remarking that the support comes even before the official launch of his campaign council.
The comprehensive endorsements across all three senatorial zones, coupled with institutional support from local government workers and traditional rulers, position Governor Soludo and Deputy Governor Ibezim as the consensus choice for continuity in Anambra State’s governance as the November election approaches.
