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Anambra Decides: Soludo, Moghalu, Ukachukwu, Ezenwafor, Ifemeludike, Others Go for Broke

Published

8 months ago

November 8, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

For the people of Anambra, who represent themselves more as Ndi Anambra, the stage is set to either sustain a four years tempo, or unleash a completely new form of administration.

The date is November 8, and the stage is the over 5000 polling units scattered across the 21 local government areas of the state with about 16 political actors, including the incumbent, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, seeking the people’s vote to either continue in office or be replaced by a fresh hand.

However, among the jostlers for the top Anambra job are contenders and pretenders. This is because not all the candidates, who are on the ballot paper would make the needed impact. Most of them, according to reports, are yet to criss-cross the nooks and crannies of the state in campaign, and relatively unknown. Some others have also leveraged on the popularity of their political parties to gain attention much as a lot is still desired of them.

The Anambra election on face value, is beyond rhetoric and queuing of voters, it is a statement of legitimacy and superiority, especially as it is coming at a time when almost all political player and political parties are morphing into the APC.

As it stands, APGA’s life is Anambra, and a shift in the narrative will mean a death and dearth of the party. Consequently, the party is poised beyond variables, to sustain its hold on the state.

It is also worth noting that as at the present, PDP has practically gone extinct in the south-east with the recent defection of Peter Mbah of Enugu State to the APC. It could be recalled that the region has been a PDP state from inception until the Supreme sacked Emeka Ihedioha as governor, and ordered the swearing in of Hope Uzodinma of the APC, who came a distant 4th in the 2019 election. Then Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State defected to the APC. In the 2023 election, the party lost to Alex Otti of the Labour Party. The party will want to use the opportunity to reestablish his presence in the region.

The APC, on the hand would not want to fail President Tinubu, who everybody has been struggling to please. But with Tinubu’s conspicuous absence during the campaign, it appears there are more in the bargain to giving the APC at the polls.

In all, the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), appears to still hold the aces as far as today’s election is concerned. The party has remained dominant in the south-east state ever since Peter Obi won the governorship election under the APGA platform. Obiano followed suit before Soludo took the reins. APGA has remained Anambra party in over two decades.

Other parties, which are hoping to register their presence in the battle for the soul of Awka Government House are the All Progressives Congress (APC), with their dependence on federal might to muzzle and muscle the others, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose house is completely in disarray with two factions at the national level amid a chequered forthcoming National Convention. There’s also the Labour Party (LP), the Young People’s Party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sowore’s African Action Congress (AAC) and many other political platforms.

In an analysis done by a sister online platform, TheCable, the following are the analysis of the chances of some of the candidates as voting go underway with over 45,000 police personnel, excluding other security agencies, on ground, to ensure nothing goes wrong

CHARLES CHUKWUMA SOLUDO (APGA)

The incumbent governor is seeking re-election on the strength of what his administration describes as achievements in economic management and infrastructure delivery.

Soludo is an economist, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and a professor with a first-class degree, master’s, and doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

His highlights of his administration include budgeting reforms, investment drives, and infrastructure projects, which Soludo frames as part of his “changing gears” development agenda.

Supporters point to his technocratic background and international networks as strengths that help attract projects and investors to the state.

Critics, however, fault his government, particularly over the state’s lingering insecurity challenges. While the administration declared significant improvements, sporadic incidents of violence and unrest continue to challenge the government’s assertion that insecurity has been nearly eradicated.

NICHOLAS UKACHUKWU (APC)

The APC governorship candidate for the Anambra election has pledged inclusive development across “all 179 communities” of the state.

Ukachukwu began his political career in 1997 when he was elected executive chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). In 1999, he was elected to the house of representatives, representing the AMAC/Bwari federal constituency under the PDP, serving until 2003.

After unsuccessful governorship bids under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) in 2006 and the Hope Democratic Party (HDP) in 2010, he clinched the APC ticket following his victory at the party’s primary in April 2025. He is from Osumenyi, Nnewi south LGA, and holds the traditional title Ikukuoma Ndi Igbo.

His campaign emphasises job creation, industrialisation, security improvement, and a shift from being a “political godfather” to a “father” of the people.

His critics, however, question his political experience, particularly in Anambra, where he has never held public office.

JUDE EZENWAFOR (PDP)

Ezenwafor is the PDP governorship candidate in the contest, and his name was officially submitted by the party to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along with his running mate in May.

He is an Abuja-based real estate developer who emerged unopposed as PDP’s flag-bearer and has described his nomination as “divine” and mandate-driven.

Ezenwafor frames his campaign around the regeneration of the state, inclusive growth, and restoration of hope for Anambra’s citizens. He also pledged to make Anambra a thriving economic hub, promising that he has “a secret” or “magic wand” to turn the state’s fortunes around and make many citizens millionaires during his tenure.

Ezenwafor is not new to Anambra politics. He previously served as senior special assistant to Willie Obiano, a former governor of the state, and held a similar role on political matters under former governor Peter Obi. His political trajectory also includes a stint as state chairman of the LP before joining the PDP.

In July, Ezenwafor was shot by unknown gunmen in Abuja and hospitalised.

GEORGE MOGHALU (LP)

The LP candidate is a former managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and served previously as the national auditor of the APC.

He was nominated by the LP in April 2025 and launched his campaign by promising to restore confidence in governance, accountability, and service delivery.

Moghalu presents his candidacy as a technocratic alternative, emphasising infrastructure development, disciplined public service, and a break from patronage politics.

His candidacy has received strong support from the Obidient Movement, which praised him as a “colossus of integrity, a titan of competence, and a relentless warrior for the voiceless masses”.

His appeal lies partly in his public service credentials and middle-ground positioning between the major parties.

CHIOMA IFEMELUDIKE (AAC)

Ifemeludike is the only woman among the major candidates.

The former Nollywood actress, producer, and activist has launched a grassroots campaign targeting youth empowerment, talent hunting, and inclusion of marginalised groups.

She was described by AAC national figures as a “rising star” for Anambra and aims to bring fresh energy and reform-oriented leadership.

She has also protested what she terms discriminatory campaign fees and is positing her race as one of change rather than continuity.

Dismissing claims of inexperience, Ifemeludike, in a recent interview, pointed to her political background: her history as a “female unionist” and her tenure as AAC chairperson.

PAUL CHUKWUMA (YPP)

The YPP governorship candidate for the Anambra election is a businessman-entrepreneur turned politician from Ihiala.

He emerged as a YPP candidate after leaving the APC aspirant race. Chukwuma has pledged to focus on insecurity, business revival and tax relief for MSMEs.

As the pro-chancellor of Olivia University in Burundi, Chukwuma brings academic leadership experience to his political pursuits.

He pledged to address insecurity decisively within the first six months of his administration, stating that peace is the bedrock of sustainable development. His economic agenda includes enhancing local business development, creating meaningful employment opportunities, and attracting investment to the state.

Chukwuma presents himself as a pragmatic alternative candidate bridging private-sector experience and public service ambitions.

CHUMA NWOSU (ADC)

The ADC governorship candidate for the poll has been touring the state, promising a one-term governance mandate alongside job creation and anti-corruption commitments.

Nwosu’s campaign is grassroots-focused, engaging communities, markets, and villages directly with a message centred on transparency, inclusion, and results-oriented leadership.

He has vowed to restore security, introduce e-governance, and revive Anambra’s economy if elected

He has also been very vocal against vote-buying and voter apathy, believing that a change is possible if the electorate rejects corrupt practices.

His candidacy is seen as a hopeful departure from “business-as-usual” politics, aiming to reposition Anambra state towards strategic growth and responsive governance.

THE OUTCOME

The outcome of today’s election will determine whether Soludo will consolidate what he and his supporters believe are his progress and achievements, or on the other hand usher in an all new trajectory to begin a fresh roadmap to the the same destination; welfate and security of Ndi Anambra.

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Parties’ Deregistration: ADC, Not NDC, is the Target

Published

1 day ago

June 29, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

As the 2027 presidential election draws closer, intrigues, manipulations and maneuvers have continued to be the order of the day as political parties engage in one gimmick or another to outdo and undo one another.

While some are playing politics of numbers and conviction, others are engaging tendencies that tend to question the status quo and established principles under which genuine democracy is formed. As a matter of fact, fingers have been pointed at the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal government as the brain behind all machinations that have attempted to derail multi-party democracy, and institute a one-party state, which is alien to the Nigerian democratic roots. This is as a result of the constant imbroglio that has consistently engulf almost all the major political parties in the country.

Fresh facts have however, emerged to prove that every act of frustration thrown at the opposition has been indirectly aimed at the main opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

According to reliable sources, the recent deregistration of parties, especially the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), was actually targeted at the ADC.

Recall that the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, on June, 26, set aside its earlier judgement directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party. A ruling that put a question mark on the eligibility of the party presenting candidates in the forthcoming 2027 elections

The presiding judge, Isah Dashen, held that all relevant parties must be heard before any substantive decision can be made in the matter.

The court upheld the application filed by a certain organization, the Peace Movement Party (PMP), ruling that the party was a necessary party to the suit.

According to the judge, the earlier judgement was constitutionally defective as it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties.

He declared that such an omission rendered the entire process null and void.

Mr Dashen further ruled that the status quo be restored to what it was before the December 10, 2025 judgement, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

He also observed that certain material facts were suppressed in the earlier proceedings, which justified the decision to set aside the judgment.

Consequently, the court ordered that the substantive suit should begin afresh, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PMP and the NDC as parties to the case.

According to NAN’s reports, the applicant’s lawyer, Chikezie Ekeocha, told journalists that the PMP approached the court after discovering that NDC’s registration was based on a logo it had previously submitted to INEC before the commencement of the suit.

According to Mr Ekeocha, the court agreed that the applicant’s rights had been affected and consequently vacated the earlier judgement.

“The court has ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of 10 December 2025, and directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to ensure the issues in dispute are effectually and completely determined,” he said.

He explained that the implication of the ruling is that every action taken by INEC in compliance with the now-vacated judgment stands reversed.

“The recognition of the NDC, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgement must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit,” Mr Ekeocha stated.

He, however, clarified that the substantive case remains before the court and has not been decided.

“The matter has not been concluded. The court merely set aside its previous judgment and directed that the party whose interests were affected be joined so that all sides can be heard before a fresh decision is reached.”

Mr Ekeocha also dismissed suggestions that the court merely ordered parties to maintain the status quo, insisting that the ruling specifically directed a restoration of the position that existed before the 10 December 2025 judgement.

The ruling effectively returns the dispute over the registration of the NDC to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing, with all relevant parties expected to participate before a new determination is made.

It would also be recalled that a few weeks earlier, the Federal High Court in Abuja, had ordered the deregistration of five political parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The others are Action People’s Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Accord Party.

However, on June 16, the Court of Appeal in Abuja halted the enforcement of the judgement, ruling that it violated its earlier ruling staying proceedings before the Federal High Court.

While INEC awaits the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment to deregister the NDC, the NDC has reacted, rejecting the judgment as travesty of justice.

Lending credence to the notion that the President Tinubu-led administration is basically targeting the establishment of the ADC as a party, and the candidature of its presidential flagbearer, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is also the presidential candidate of the ADC, has stated categorically that there are plots to prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general election.

Atiku’s position is stated in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu on Monday, notifying the public that he had received credible information suggesting that political and legal manoeuvres were being deployed against the ADC, stressing that the persecution that has been thrown towards the NDC was a clear distraction as the main target is the ADC.

Atiku alleged that anti-democratic elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were working to ensure that the ADC is excluded from the ballot.

“We are fully aware of their plots. While they seek to sow confusion within the opposition, we know their real target is the ADC because it represents the most credible alternative,” he said.

Atiku called on Nigerians to reject any attempt to determine which opposition parties participate in the election.

“We therefore call on all Nigerians — not just ADC members and supporters — to rise in defense of democracy and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general election,” he said.

“Our message to the APC and the hooded men plotting in dark chambers is simple: you may conspire, but you will not succeed.

“If the APC is truly confident in its popularity, why is it so terrified of the ADC?”

He said he hoped the information available to him would not materialise but argued that recent political developments made such concerns difficult to dismiss.

“The pattern has become all too familiar. First, institutions that ought to be neutral are drawn into partisan contests,” he said.

“Then, frivolous litigations suddenly gain unusual momentum. Administrative powers are selectively deployed.

“Political pressure is mounted behind closed doors. Before long, democracy itself becomes the casualty.”

Atiku alleged that the ruling party has focused more on weakening the opposition than addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.

“The obsession with silencing the opposition has become so consuming that governance itself has taken a back seat,” he said.

“At a time when Nigerians are battling hunger, inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and collapsing purchasing power, those entrusted with public office appear preoccupied with political survival rather than national survival.”

Nigerians recall that ever since the official rejuvenation of the ADC in June/July of 2025, where the duo of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola emerged as the party’s chairman and secretary respectively, the party has not known moments of peaceful coexistence as litigations from corners unknown have sprang up in a bid to destabilize the party and deprive it of the opportunity of featuring on the ballot paper come 2027.

ADC, as a child of circumstance emerged from the rumbles of the litigation-ridden former main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where two factions have consistently remelained at loggerheads over leadership. While the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is working assiduously to ensure the reelection of Bola Tinubu, leads one faction, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who became a defacto head, leads the other faction. In all, PDP appeared to have no direction, forcing many of its members to jump ship, thereby birthing the ADC, and to a large extent, the NDC, which is presenting Peter Obi as the presidential candidate, with former Kano governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate.

Sources also informed The Boss that the hasty reading and passage of the Electoral Act 2026 by the Godswill Akpabio-led National Assembly, with many great areas left unattended to, were also part of the grand design to deprive the ADC the constitutional rights of presenting candidates for the 2027 elections.

But both the ADC and the NDC has vowed that they would follow every process to ensure that the crackdown on opposition parties by the Tinubu administration comes to an abrupt end.

But beyond the intrigues, Nigerians are gearing up to participate fully in the forthcoming election with cross sections of the population either hailing Tinubu for his policies or knocking him for the untold hardship in the land.

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South Africa Nothing Without Africa – MTN Boss, Mcebisi Jonas

Published

3 days ago

June 27, 2026

Eric

The MTN Group Chairman, Mcebisi Jonas, has condemned the ongoing anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa, describing it as a symptom of State failure being cynically exploited by politicians with no interest in genuine solutions.

The speech is seen as one of the most substantive interventions by a senior business figure into xenophobic crisis currently plaguing South Africa.

Delivered during the funeral service of Zimbabwean-born activist and public servant, Thokozani Damasane, Jonas’ words have sparked a wave of discussion across South African civil society.

“I was thinking, what is home to Damasane?” he said. “Because I understand, and I understood very early in life, that home is where humanity is. Home is about humanness. It is about the good of humanity and striving for the good of humanity.”

Thokozani Damasane was born and educated in Zimbabwe before relocating to South Africa during the post-apartheid transition period. Jonas described him as arriving “as an outcast” into a country still finding its post-liberation footing – and choosing, nonetheless, to commit himself entirely to its struggles and its people.

“He immersed himself deeply into the struggles, into the pains of South Africans, and he became one of us,” Jonas said.

“In Damasane’s strength, our strength as South Africa and South Africans is reflected. And in his weaknesses, our own weaknesses are reflected.”

Speaking further, Jonas blamed the state for the failure being witnessed, emphasising that if foreigners leave South Africa today, the country’s problems will still persist.

“Foreigners can leave tomorrow – inequality will be with us,” he told the congregation.

“Foreigners will leave tomorrow – unemployment will be with us. Foreigners will leave tomorrow – our police will remain corrupt. Foreigners will leave tomorrow – our politicians will still be concerned with one thing: being elected and re-elected.

“The problem is the failure of the state. The State doesn’t manage immigration. It doesn’t manage its borders. It doesn’t enforce
law enforcement. It doesn’t manage education. What are you expecting?”

Jonas argued that this failure created fertile ground for political manipulation. “When people feel the burn, they become vulnerable to politicians whose sole purpose is to be elected and re-elected. Some of them have no credibility whatsoever. But they lead marches and tell our people that the problem is not us – it is foreigners.”

Jonas recounted a conversation he had witnessed between Damasane and a young man who had challenged the right of foreigners to be in South Africa. Damasane’s response, Jonas said, had stayed with him ever since.

“Damasane said to this guy: Just wait fifteen or twenty years. You will also want to leave your country.”

Jonas told mourners those words now carry a weight Damasane may not have anticipated. “As I stand up today, I look at South Africa. The level of oppression and inequality, the level of exclusion of our people, the level of corruption, the betrayal of the dream of liberation – those words of Damasane ring very loud in my ears.”

South Africa is nothing without Africa

Jonas closed with a call for what he described as a return to “national consciousness” – one rooted in continental solidarity and economic interdependence rather than ethnic exclusion.

“We are a nation embedded in Africa,” he said. “And without Africa, our growth as a country – economically – our fortune is intertwined with the growth of Africa. South Africa is nothing without Africa. And Africa is nothing without South Africa.”

He also reframed the question of legacy and identity for Damasane’s children, who were present. “Sometimes this thing called meritocracy is measured in wealth. No. It is values, it is principles, it is integrity. And your father had all of that.”

“We cannot judge people by their origin,” he told mourners. “We cannot determine the legal status of people by their origin.”

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NDC Rejects Court Ruling on Party’s Registration, Heads to Appeal Court

Published

3 days ago

June 27, 2026

Eric

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), on Friday, vowed to challenge the judgment nullifying its registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that it would exercise its constitutional right of appeal.

Reacting to the ruling on Thursday, the party’s spokesman, Osa Director, said the NDC was still awaiting the certified copy of the judgment before making a comprehensive statement on the court’s decision.

He, however, confirmed that the party had resolved to head to the appellate court.

“We are still waiting to obtain a copy of the judgment. After reading the comprehensive judgment, we will make a detailed statement,” he said.

The spokesman added: “For now, what is certain is that we will exercise our right of appeal.”

Insisting that the party would challenge the ruling, he said: “It is our constitutional right to appeal, and we intend to exercise that right.”

When asked specifically whether the NDC would appeal the judgment voiding its registration, the spokesman replied: “Yes, the party will appeal the case.”

The party’s reaction came shortly after a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in a judgement that nullified its registration by INEC, a development that could have significant implications for the NDC’s participation in the country’s political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC, however, maintained that it would refrain from making further comments on the substance of the judgment until it had studied the full text of the court’s decision.

The party’s planned appeal is expected to set the stage for a fresh legal battle over its status and continued existence as a registered political party.