Battle for Anambra Soul Begins: Who’s In, Who’s Faking It?
As Anambra 2025 Governorship Race, Campaigns Officially Begin today, Contenders and Pretenders Emerge, Titus Eleweke writes on chances:
As the campaign season officially kicks off today, June 11, 2025, for the Anambra State governorship election, a mix of genuine contenders and symbolic aspirants are stepping into the political arena, each eager to showcase their capacity to lead.
Anambra, one of Nigeria’s eight states that conduct off-cycle governorship elections, is scheduled to go to the polls on November 8, 2025, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The other states with similar schedules include Bayelsa, Kogi, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Imo.
With the ban on campaigns officially lifted by INEC, candidates will now begin full-scale engagements across Anambra’s 21 local government areas, 179 communities, and 326 political wards. Though around 16 candidates are contesting, only about eight have shown significant political visibility, largely due to their personal clout, the strength of their parties, or both.
Leading Candidates and Their Political Trajectories
Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo (APGA)
Undoubtedly the most prominent candidate, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is seeking re-election. A globally respected economist and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Soludo’s first term has been widely praised for infrastructural expansion, particularly in rural areas, and pragmatic economic reforms.
Beyond policy, Soludo enjoys widespread endorsements from civil society groups to President Bola Tinubu, who recently toured Anambra and publicly praised his administration. APGA, deeply rooted in Anambra’s political consciousness, further strengthens Soludo’s position. If trends continue, a landslide victory may not be far-fetched.
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC)
A veteran politician and wealthy businessman, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu is the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC). A former member of the House of Representatives (1999–2003), Ukachukwu has made several attempts at the governorship over the years.
His controversial emergence as APC candidate nearly tore the party apart, with several aspirants withdrawing shortly before the primaries—allegedly under pressure from “Abuja powerbrokers” favoring a southern Anambra candidate.
Crucially, Ukachukwu’s strategic choice of Senator Uche Ekwunife as running mate has redefined his campaign. Ekwunife, a seasoned lawmaker and formidable grassroots mobilizer, brings both gender balance and broad appeal. Dismissing her would be a political miscalculation.
Though Ukachukwu trails Soludo in popularity, three factors may work in his favor: his financial muscle, the national power structure of the APC, and Ekwunife’s field experience.
Sir Paul Chukwuma (YPP)
Former APC National Auditor and a major political financier, Sir Paul Chukwuma is now contesting under the Young Progressives Party (YPP). Until the eve of the APC primaries, he was considered a frontrunner within the party. His departure from APC saw a mass exodus of supporters, many of whom followed him to YPP.
Chukwuma, who hails from Umueri in Anambra East, effectively inherited the political structure left behind by the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Despite doubts over his chances, he commands significant followership and cannot be written off. Many believe he could be the election’s surprise factor.
Mr. John Nwosu (ADC)
An ICT entrepreneur and founder of Jetlink Limited, John Nwosu is the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Initially an aspirant in the Labour Party, he lost the primaries but secured the ADC ticket through substitution.
Nwosu promises to leverage technology to tackle Anambra’s security challenges. His running mate, Dr. Ndubisi Nwobu, a former PDP state chairman, adds strategic weight. If ADC’s proposed alliance with other political blocs materializes, Nwosu’s prospects could improve significantly, though many still consider him too refined for Anambra’s turbulent political waters.
Chief Jeff Nweke (Action Alliance)
A property developer and security expert, Ozo Jeff Nweke is running under the Action Alliance (AA).
Hailing from Awka South in Anambra Central, Nweke is seen by some as a political novice or “pretender,” allegedly using the race to build his political profile.
However, Nweke dismisses such claims, vowing to upset the odds like the biblical David. While he lacks the financial power of frontrunners, his confidence and local influence may yet surprise skeptics.
He is an Awka indigene in Awka South LGA of Anambra Central Senatorial Zone and considered highly influential among this people.
Some people however said his is a pretender ,only enlisted in the race to boost his CV.
But Nweke during his declaration said that he is in the race to win and not just line up for contest.
Comparably ,hexus not as rich as some people in the race, the governor of the state and others.
He however said he will be the biblical David that killed the Goliath with a mere stone. According to him,he is coming into the race prepared and ready to win and nothing stopping him.
Hon. Jude Ezenwafor (PDP)
Jude Ezenwafor, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, remains largely unknown — a sharp departure from PDP’s historic prominence in Nigerian politics. Initially rumored to be a placeholder, the party failed to substitute him before the deadline, leaving it with what many see as an uninspiring candidate.
With PDP’s internal crises at both state and national levels, expectations are low. The party risks an embarrassing showing unless something drastic changes.
Dr. George Moghalu vs. Hon. Jude Umennajiego (Labour Party)
The Labour Party is mired in internal conflict, with both Dr. George Moghalu and Hon. Jude Umennajiego claiming its governorship ticket. While INEC recognizes Moghalu, Umennajiego hinges his claim on a Supreme Court judgment affirming a parallel party leadership.
The initial momentum enjoyed by the Labour Party during the 2023 general elections has waned, partly due to internal wrangling and the perceived disengagement of Peter Obi, its most prominent figure. Without unified leadership, the party’s chances in Anambra appear grim.
Soludo Leads, But It’s Still a Contest
As campaigns kick off in earnest, Governor Soludo remains the candidate to beat, thanks to his incumbency, performance, and political structure. However, politics remains fluid, and surprises are possible.
Key matchups particularly involving Ukachukwu/Ekwunife, Paul Chukwuma, and potential coalitions around lesser-known candidates could reshape the race. But until the last ballot is counted and the courts have had their say, nothing in politics is certain.
The campaign trail begins. The battle is on. Anambra decides on November 8.
