Anambra 2025: My Opponents Are Only Seeking Appointments – Governor Soludo

Says no real challengers in November poll, blasts ‘nomadic politicians’ and land grabbers

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has dismissed his rivals in the upcoming November 8 governorship election as opportunists merely angling for political appointments and public attention, not serious contenders for leadership.

Speaking on Saturday at a rally held at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium in Onitsha, organised by the Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association, Soludo received a strong endorsement from traders backing his second-term bid under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Addressing a large crowd of market leaders, the governor confidently stated:

“The journey to the November 8 election is still far. We are not going to take it for granted. Although we have no contestants, we are going into the election with all seriousness.

Every other contestant is looking for an appointment, but instead of them to come and tell us what they are looking for, they are claiming to be contesting for the election.”

“No Room for Charlatans”

Soludo, who is seeking re-election after a first term marked by economic and infrastructure reforms, didn’t hold back in his criticism of the opposition:

“Our opponents don’t have a certificate. Gone are the days when charlatans rule Anambra; this is the state of the great Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chinua Achebe, Alex Ekwueme.
No unknown character will be allowed to rule Anambra again. They should go and continue their land-grabbing business and stop contesting to be governor.”

He used the platform to promise traders a revamped tax system that would eliminate cash payments and enhance transparency.

On APGA’s Dominance and Opposition’s Defeat

Soludo thanked supporters for their role in the recent August 16 by-elections, which saw APGA candidates emerge victorious across contested seats.

“The election in Onitsha became a national election, because the election was about leadership by selection against leadership by competence.
Election is not about sympathy, it’s not about ‘oh, vote for me, my husband is no more’… But I am glad you guys voted for competence over sentiment.

Some people who were ready to write result said it was a mock election for November, but they were defeated at their wards and polling units.”

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He re-emphasized the deep connection between APGA and the state, declaring:

“APGA is our address. APGA is Anambra, and Anambra is APGA.”

Blasts “Nomadic Politicians” and Sit-at-Home Culture

Soludo also lashed out at members of the opposition who switch party platforms ahead of each election, calling them “nomadic politicians.”

“Last time, it was Labour Party everywhere, they were making noise. I call them the nomadic politicians; every election year, they enter into another party. But for us, we are APGA.”

He mocked the practice of failed candidates using their electoral loss as leverage for future political appointments:

“Election period is business for some people, after the election, they will write on their complimentary card, ‘former governorship candidate’ and be begging for appointment here and there.”

On security and economic recovery, Soludo urged traders to keep their markets open on Mondays, rejecting the continued observance of the sit-at-home order imposed by separatist groups:

“Keep the markets clean, keep it safe and most importantly, open your market on Mondays. There is nothing like Monday sit-at-home.”

As the November election draws closer, Soludo says his administration will unveil new projects across the state, reinforcing his appeal for continuity in office.