Relatives and political allies of former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano have publicly accused his successor, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, of betrayal, vowing to respond in kind.
The accusations came during an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign event in Anambra East Local Government Area on Saturday. The event presented the APC’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife. Obiano’s kinsmen pledged mass support for the APC ticket in the November 8 election.
Former Governor Obiano’s younger brother, Hon. Eva Obiano, was joined by representatives from five Aguleri wards led by Comrade Innocent Nduanya, and people of Anambra East LGA led by Hon. Innocent Offodile. They expressed regret that Governor Soludo had displayed “ingratitude” by, in their view, using and discarding Obiano. They cited Obiano’s service as governor and his role in anointing Soludo as his successor.
Obiano, Nduanya, Offodile, and another stalwart, Osy Nwoye, argued that APC candidate Ukachukwu is a “self-made man” with a “large heart” to help the masses. They called for votes to make Ukachukwu’s victory “a dream come true.”
Speaking at the event, Senator Ekwunife thanked attendees for their turnout. She urged Anambra East voters to reject the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the party currently governing the state led by Soludo, claiming APGA does not mean well for Anambra or the South-East. Ekwunife stated that Ukachukwu’s election would connect Anambra State more closely to the federal government.
Ekwunife described Ukachukwu as a successful businessman and philanthropist concerned with public wellbeing and security. She contrasted this with Governor Soludo, accusing him of imposing “obnoxious taxes and levies” on common people, including hawkers, poor women, and artisans. Ekwunife also dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu endorsed Soludo for a second term, stating the President could not support “anti-party activities.”
APC candidate Senator Ukachukwu, in his speech, expressed appreciation to the attendees, describing former Governor Obiano as a “nice man” who “tried for the state.” Ukachukwu stated that Obiano’s “good mind” led him to support Soludo as successor.
Ukachukwu declared he was prepared for the election to “rescue” Anambra alongside his running mate, Ekwunife, whom he called “a woman with swag.” He highlighted his membership in the same party, the APC, as President Tinubu, stating the President had blessed his aspiration and presented him with the party flag.
“We have come to change the narrative and move the state forward,” Ukachukwu said. “We are standing on change and progress.” He criticized Governor Soludo’s handling of security, alleging the state had been abandoned “in the hands of hoodlums who killed and kidnapped” for three years, adding that “the blood of the dead are crying out for revenge.”
Ukachukwu, citing his investments in the state as a businessman, claimed to have solutions for insecurity, stating industries cannot thrive under security challenges.The event also featured the inauguration of the Anambra East Ward Campaign Council.
This council is tasked with establishing 40-member Polling Unit Campaign Councils at the grassroots level. Members of these unit councils are slated to begin receiving monthly emoluments starting July 2025, continuing through the end of the campaign period.
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