Soludo Fires Shot: My Opponents Want Business Capital, Not Governorship

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, has declared that many of those contesting against him in the upcoming November 8 governorship election are not genuinely in the race for leadership but are instead using their candidacies to raise funds for personal business interests.

Speaking during an endorsement rally organized by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Awka, the state capital, Soludo dismissed the aspirations of his rivals, describing them as mere pretenders.

“Most of those who claim to be in the race are not serious contenders. They’re simply using the platform to solicit funds and line their pockets,” he stated.

The rally in Awka marks the second major endorsement for Soludo, following a similar event in Otuocha, Anambra East Local Government Area, where stakeholders from the Anambra North Senatorial Zone unanimously declared support for his re-election, framing his candidacy as a consensus project for the entire state.

Soludo said that Anambra has benefited from a rotational zoning arrangement which has promoted equity and stability in the state’s politics.

He reiterated his commitment to that zoning formula and promised to hand over to a candidate from Anambra Central after completing his constitutionally allowed two terms.

“Anambra has a functional zoning system. It began with the Central Zone under Peter Obi, then shifted to the North with Willie Obiano, and is now in the South with me. Each zone has taken its fair turn,”

“I am from the South, and by the zoning arrangement, I’m expected to complete eight years. Anyone from the South contesting against me now is seeking to disrupt that balance, which would ultimately delay the Central Zone’s turn. If such a person wins, they’ll stay for another eight years effectively keeping the South in power for 12 consecutive years. That’s not fair and not what zoning was designed to achieve.

“Four more years for me will ensure a seamless transition to the Central Zone. Anything else will distort the equity that Anambra people have worked hard to build.”he said.

He went further to criticize the intentions of his opponents, alleging that many are simply masquerading as candidates to court donations from political stakeholders and business elites.

“Some of them are not running to win. They’re going around asking ministers and prominent politicians for money, saying, ‘You know I’m contesting, please support me.’ That’s not governance, that’s fundraising under false pretenses.” he added.

Soludo noted that APGA has not officially flagged off its campaign or inaugurated its campaign council, emphasizing that the real contest is yet to begin.

“We haven’t even started campaigning. Yet, the level of grassroots support is overwhelming. APGA is Anambra and Anambra is APGA. Those claiming to contest under other platforms know they are not in it to win. Progressives in Anambra are united and focused.”he added.

The governor stated confidently that APGA aims to win at least 90% of the electoral wards in the Central Senatorial Zone and promised to continue delivering development and good governance to the people of the state.

In a symbolic move underscoring his commitment to the state’s transformation agenda, Soludo announced that he has officially relocated to the Anambra Light House City, the new Government House.

“I moved into the Light House City yesterday. I spent my first night there and this morning, I walked here from there. That tells you how much progress we’re making. But this is just the beginning. There is so much more in store for Anambra,” he said.

The event drew notable stakeholders including Osita Chidoka, Okey Muo-Aroh, student union leaders, market associations, and community leaders, all of whom pledged their support for Soludo’s re-election.

The Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, read a communique on behalf of the Anambra Central Zone, formally endorsing Soludo’s candidacy and affirming the region’s commitment to upholding the zoning formula for peace, equity, and progress