Anambra State has definitively moved beyond the era when governance was viewed as a commodity available to the highest bidder. Under the visionary leadership of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, the state has embraced a new paradigm—one where competence, experience, and genuine commitment to public service take precedence over financial muscle and political opportunism. The days when workers would go months without salaries while infrastructure projects gathered dust due to the incumbent’s preoccupation with recouping electoral investments are firmly behind us. What Anambra needs now is not another experiment with untested leadership, but the consolidation and expansion of the remarkable progress already achieved.
This transformation did not happen by accident. Professor Soludo brings to Anambra’s governance a rare combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience that few politicians can match. As a former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, visiting scholar at the International Monetary Fund, and former member of Presidential Economic Advisory Committee, he possesses an unparalleled understanding of economic dynamics and developmental challenges. His exceptional performance has already earned him national recognition, including the ‘Vanguard Good Governance Award 2024’ and The Sun Newspaper’s “2024 Governor of the Year” award. These accolades reflect not political favoritism but measurable achievements that have transformed Anambra’s landscape in ways that speak directly to the needs of ordinary citizens.
The evidence of this transformation is visible across every sector of the state’s economy and infrastructure. Over 750 kilometres of roads have been worked on, with about 410 kilometres already completed, giving special attention to areas that had never seen tarred roads before. Two flyovers now stand as testament to Governor Soludo’s commitment to infrastructure development, while the ambitious Anambra Beltway project has been launched to enhance road connectivity and drive economic growth throughout the state.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the administration has revolutionized the educational landscape through comprehensive reforms that prioritize human capital development. Free education initiatives for secondary students have been implemented, accompanied by the strategic recruitment of though of teachers to address the chronic shortage that had plagued the system for years. Furthermore, 60 STEM schools have been equipped with modern facilities, while Governor Soludo approved N6.154 billion for basic education projects, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to preparing Anambra’s youth for the challenges of the 21st century economy.
Equally impressive has been the administration’s approach to economic empowerment, which goes far beyond mere political promises to deliver tangible opportunities for citizens. The Anambra State Executive Council approved the release of N2.8 billion for Cohort Two of the One-Youth-Two-Skills Business Financing Scheme, creating pathways for young entrepreneurs to establish sustainable enterprises. Simultaneously, over one million palm and coconut seedlings were distributed to 130,000 households under the agriculture initiative, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities that had been largely neglected by previous administrations.
This comprehensive approach to development has culminated in Governor Soludo’s unveiling of a transformative 2025 budget of N607 billion, which includes continued development of iconic projects such as three new cities: Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, and a new Industrial City. These initiatives represent not just ambitious vision but carefully planned strategies to position Anambra as Nigeria’s premier investment destination.
Given these remarkable achievements, the principle of continuity in governance becomes not just advisable but essential. Anambra State is experiencing unprecedented development momentum under Soludo’s leadership, and disrupting this trajectory by introducing new leadership would inevitably result in policy reversals, project abandonments, and the familiar cycle of starting from scratch that has plagued many Nigerian states. The administration has already broken a 34-year jinx with the construction of a new Anambra Government House, symbolizing the end of decades of stagnation and the beginning of a new era of purposeful governance.
What Anambra State requires at this critical juncture is not another politician seeking to purchase power with campaign funds, but the continued implementation of proven strategies that have already yielded measurable results. Rather than replacing competent leadership, the state needs an aggregation of ideas—a pool of intellectual resources from citizens who believe they can contribute to the ongoing transformation. The Soludo administration has consistently demonstrated openness to collaboration and consultation, creating multiple avenues for constructive engagement. Citizens with innovative solutions should work within this existing framework rather than seeking to dismantle functioning systems for personal political ambitions.
This approach has already garnered widespread grassroots support that transcends traditional political boundaries. Various groups, including the Anambra State Scraps Dealers and Scavengers Association, have pledged their support for Governor Soludo’s re-election, recognizing that his policies have positively impacted even the most marginalized segments of society. This broad-based endorsement reflects genuine appreciation for transformative leadership that prioritizes public interest over personal enrichment, creating a political culture where results matter more than rhetoric.
As the 2025 gubernatorial election approaches, every stakeholder—traditional rulers, business leaders, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens—must recognize that Anambra’s current progress is not accidental but the result of deliberate, informed policy choices implemented by a leader who understands both the challenges and the solutions. The choice of facing Anambra voters is straightforward: continue the trajectory of sustainable development under proven leadership or risk regression under untested alternatives motivated primarily by political ambition rather than public service.
Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he possesses the vision, competence, and commitment required to lead Anambra State toward its full potential. His administration has successfully moved the state from an era of transactional politics to transformational governance, creating a new standard for what citizens should expect from their leaders. The fundamental question facing voters is equally clear: Why abandon a working formula for uncertainty? Why risk the substantial gains of the past three years for the promises of politicians whose primary qualification is their ability to fund campaigns rather than implement effective policies?
Anambra State deserves continuity in its march toward becoming Nigeria’s model state, and this continuity can only be guaranteed through the re-election of a leader who has already demonstrated his capacity to deliver on his promises. The state is no longer for sale to the highest bidder—it belongs to its people, and its future lies in the capable hands of a leader who has already proven his worth through measurable achievements rather than empty rhetoric. All hands must be on deck to secure this future by ensuring Professor Soludo’s re-election and allowing the foundations he has laid to continue supporting the superstructure of a truly transformed Anambra State.
