In the buildup to the November 8, 2025, Anambra gubernatorial election, a noticeable political shift is emerging. While the All Progressives Congress (APC) has witnessed an influx of aspirants picking nomination forms to contest against the incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties appear to be struggling to attract aspirants.
A critical factor driving this trend may be Governor Soludo’s outstanding performance in office. Since assuming leadership, the governor has excelled in key sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. His administration’s massive road construction projects, urban renewal initiatives, and support for small and medium-scale enterprises have endeared him to the people of Anambra.
Additionally, his strategic approach to tackling insecurity has further strengthened public trust in his leadership. This impressive track record seems to have created a psychological fear among opposition aspirants, especially within the PDP, who believe challenging Soludo might lead to an embarrassing defeat at the polls.
Moreover, the APC’s growing appeal stems from its control at the federal level. Aspirants believe that contesting under the party will offer them an advantage in terms of federal support and resources. Politicians like Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Sir Paul Chukwuma have openly expressed their desire to align Anambra with the centre, hoping to attract federal projects and enhance security in the state. This has made the APC a more attractive platform for those who aim to challenge Soludo’s dominance.
Another contributing factor may be the internal crisis that has plagued the PDP in Anambra over the years. The party has been riddled with leadership tussles and factional disputes, weakening its structure and discouraging strong political figures from contesting under its platform. Many fear that the PDP is too disorganized to pose a serious challenge to Soludo, which explains why most aspirants appear to be avoiding the party.
Furthermore, the fear of political irrelevance is playing a significant role. For many politicians, losing to Soludo would not only damage their reputation but could also end their political careers. As a result, they are strategically shifting to the APC, believing that the party’s federal backing and growing popularity in the state could give them a better chance of success.
In addition, with APGA firmly in power and PDP, Labour Party struggling to maintain their footing, APC is gradually positioning itself as the leading opposition force in Anambra. This new status has attracted ambitious politicians who see the party as their only viable platform to challenge Soludo and gain political relevance in the state.
In conclusion, the reluctance of aspirants to pick forms under other political parties and the rush to join APC can be attributed to Soludo’s remarkable performance, the fear of an embarrassing defeat, PDP’s internal crisis, and the strategic advantage of aligning with the ruling party at the federal level. However, whether the APC can unite its aspirants and present a formidable candidate capable of defeating Soludo remains a question, only time will answer.
