Stakeholders from Anambra North senatorial zone on Saturday endorsed Governor Charles Soludo for re-election in the November 8 gubernatorial election while traditional rulers of the zone conferred on him the chieftaincy title of Oluatuegwu.
The endorsement took place during a rally at the Otuocha Township Stadium in Anambra East Local Government Area, which attracted over 10,000 participants from across the seven local government areas of the zone. The event was organised by the Anambra North Stakeholders Forum, comprising current and former elected officials, appointees, and key stakeholders, under the theme “SUSTAINING THE SOLUTION LEGACY: A PATH TO DISRUPTIVE DEVELOPMENT IN ANAMBRA STATE.”
Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, formalised the endorsement by reading the stakeholders’ communique, which expressed their “full agreement with the zoning formula in Anambra State” and sole support for the governor’s re-election “for another four years to complete the turn of the Anambra South.”
Responding to the endorsement, Soludo expressed surprise at the massive turnout, saying he had expected “an event of few people that would be done in a hall” rather than the crowd of over 10,000 that gathered. The governor traced the historical support he has received from the zone, noting that traditional rulers from Anambra North had first endorsed him in 2020 during the build-up to the 2022 election.
“Again in 2025, the traditional rulers have done the same, this time crowning it with a chieftaincy title: Oluatuegwu,” Soludo said. “Originally, the title was given to me by a woman by the roadside, but today, Anambra North traditional rulers have formalised it.”
The governor revealed that he had not established a campaign committee because he remained focused on delivering campaign promises to Anambra residents. “When the time comes, the party would campaign like an underdog with an unknown opponent because I cannot take the support of Anambra people for granted,” he stated.
Emphasizing his commitment to the state’s power rotation system, Soludo declared that “zoning has come to stay in Anambra State and Anambra people would not allow anyone to truncate it.” He also highlighted his immediate focus on Anambra North upon assuming office, recalling how he “resumed work in Okpoko, Anambra North immediately after his swearing-in, flagging off roads including at Nzam.”
The governor’s political pragmatism was evident in his advice to supporters regarding opposition activities, acknowledging that some potential opponents were mobilizing while encouraging supporters to “collect whatever money the alleged opponents give them because the money belongs to ndi Anambra.”
Demonstrating the cross-party nature of his support, several speakers from different political parties took turns endorsing the governor. Hon. Chinwe Maureen Gwacham emphasized the governor’s focus on human development, stating that “the biggest thing the governor is doing is human development” and that he is “fulfilling his promises to the entire state including Anambra North.”
PDP member and former House of Representatives member Hon. Chuchu Onyema declared that “the governor has come, has seen, and has conquered,” while assuring attendees of the governor’s inevitable re-election. Fellow PDP member Hon. Gabriel Onyemefe questioned potential opponents’ qualifications, suggesting they lacked the educational credentials to compete effectively with the governor.
Building on this theme of universal support, Chief (Barr.) Ifeatu Obi-Okoye stated that “all political parties are in consensus that Governor Soludo must be re-elected,” while thanking Anambra North residents for their massive turnout and urging other zones to demonstrate similar support.
Chief Chinedu Obidigwe reinforced these sentiments, describing the governor as “a transformer, a working governor,” noting that “Soludo knew Anambra very well and came prepared, not to learn on the job.”
The party leadership also weighed in strongly, with APGA National Chairman Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa describing the rally as appreciation for the massive infrastructural development witnessed in Anambra North. He characterised the governor as “the consensus candidate of Anambra North” and predicted that “with the performance within three years, the next five years will be marvellous.”
Further reinforcing the commitment to the zoning arrangement, the Chairman of Anambra North People’s Assembly referenced “a standing agreement for turn by turn,” emphasizing that the governor must complete his second tenure. Barr. Obi Nweke, House of Assembly member, concluded the testimonials by noting that the governor “is well known as a performer before he became governor and must be rewarded with overwhelming votes on November 8.”
The event began with a moment of silence in honor of the late father of the APGA National Chairman, demonstrating the governor’s respect for party traditions and fallen leaders.
Among the dignitaries present were Hon. Chinwe Maureen Gwacham, House of Representatives member; Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff; Sir Ugochukwu Obiefuna, Deputy Chief of Staff; Chief Chinedu Nwoye, Chief of Protocol/Deputy Chief of Staff; Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Special Adviser on Political Matters; several commissioners including Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka (Power and Water Resources), Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne (Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Affairs), and Patrick Agha Mba (Youth Development).
Traditional rulers in attendance included HRM Igwe Benjamin Okeji (Igwe Akpuite, Omasi Kingdom), Chairman of Anambra North traditional rulers council; Igwe Ben Emeka, traditional ruler of Umueri; and Igwe Eweka, traditional ruler of Obosi and chairman of Anambra State traditional rulers council.
Local government mayors present included Dr. Emma Nweke (Oyi), Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, (Anambra East); Hon. Kenneth Akwuobi (Acting Ogbaru), Hon. Alphonsus Ofumelu (Ayamelum), Hon. Fidelis Nnazor (Anambra West), Hon. Emeka Orji (Onitsha South), and Hon. Tony Nweze (Onitsha North).
The rally ultimately demonstrated significant grassroots support for Governor Soludo’s re-election bid, with stakeholders from across the political spectrum emphasizing continuity of his development agenda and unwavering respect for the state’s established zoning arrangement.
