By Chuks Collins, Awka

The effort of Gov Chukwuma Soludo to pass off himself as a true progressive, hence an ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have been punctured.

Addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters, political enthusiasts, party faithful at St Mary’s Catholic Church Field Ugwu-na-adagbe, Aguleri Anambra East Council area Tuesday afternoon, the Governorship flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu exposed what he described as a false and dubious narrative.

According to the APC flagbearer, “President Tinubu is a reputable politician and party man. He cannot abandon his party to cavort with any other.,.”

That the other governors- Edo, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu and others saw something very good in APC. Therefore he has sworn to lead Anambra as heartland of the East to connect to the center.

He therefore appealed to all the electorates to troop out en masse on Nov 8, 2025 to vote for APC in the all 326 electoral wards in the 21 Councils of Anambra State.

He pointed out that the same political lie was sold years back to the former President Muhammadu of blessed memory. But at the end of the day it turned out a mere hoax.

“So, for those now making similar childish and outlandish promises just to have their way on Nov 8, it will surely not fly.

“One wonders where those promising to bankroll President Tinubu’s 2027 reelection campaign as a dead-on-arrival matter. Where would they get the funds from?, he asked rhetorically. And that it was a mere booby trap to accuse the president of being responsible for the poor performance being witnessed presently in Anambra,” the APC guber candidate said.

Ukachukwu therefore assured Nigerians, especially Mr President and Anambra citizens to remain focussed on the Nov 8, 2025 goal, assuring that immediately after winning, his next major political assignment would be to team up with other Governors and progressives to deliver President Tinubu in 2027.

The APC flagbearer therefore charged the rabble-rousers to tender their four year scorecard as a fulfilment of initial promise, before making another promises.

He charged all Anambra citizens to trust him that he shall honor all Councils that identify with him with worthy packages to reciprocate their support for him in the coming Guber poll.

Earlier, while addressing people of Anambra West at Umueze Anam, the people collectively left their seats and canopies and assembled at center of the arena and swore in their honour to give Ukachukwu one hundred percent voting support to him. In reciprocity, he assured them massive life-enhancing projects, appointments, road network, security and quality electricity and many more.

He spoke in like manner at the St Mary’s Catholic Church, Ugwu-na-adagbe, Aguleri venue for the Anambra East rally, the Governorship hopeful lamented the general state of affairs in every part of Anambra State.

According to him, “my coming is to salvage the state.

“I have come to take responsibility of fixing Anambra State, especially Anambra West and Anambra East Councils respectively.”

He promised to undertake the construction of the roads, hospitals, schools and other life transforming projects they highlighted as their pressing needs in their formal addresses.

The APC candidate wondered how the incumbent governor and other duty bearers sleep at night with the squalor they abandoned the citizens in.

He consoled them promising to live his word
once they vote him to victory on Nov 8, 2025.

The Omambala area, he stated will be a priority of his administration.

Ukachukwu’s reassuring words brought a wave of renewed confidence which swept through the citizens. He vowed to not only get Anambra for the APC on November 8, 2025 election but also deliver a resounding victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

He said his mission goes beyond contesting for office, ”it is about rebuilding a broken state and setting a new course of progress in all parts life in Anambra rooted in fairness, unity, and purposeful governance.

According to him, “We are not just running to win an election; we are running to win in other to fix what has been broken. We will restore the lost glory of Anambra and create a state that truly works for everyone,”

He described his campaign as a movement for transformation, pledged to rebuild the state’s institutions, empower the people, and usher in a leadership that places citizens’ welfare above politics. “This election is about meaningful change, restoring hope, and building a future where every Anambra son and daughter can thrive,” he said.

Ukachukwu further said that under his leadership, Anambra would experience a revival that would serve as a model of progressive governance in the South East.

“When we win this election, we will stand solidly behind President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Together, we will prove that APC represents true leadership, competence, and development,” he affirmed.

President Tinubu, he noted, has consistently shown loyalty to the ideals of progressivism and remains committed to ensuring a credible, free, and fair election in Anambra. Prince Ukachukwu added that the growing momentum of the APC in the state reflects the people’s readiness for a new era of honest and visionary leadership.

Prince Ukachukwu said his mission goes beyond contesting for office, it is about rebuilding a broken state and setting a new course of progress rooted in fairness, unity, and purposeful governance.

“We are not just running to win an election; we are running to fix what has been broken. We will restore the lost glory of Anambra and create a state that truly works for everyone,” Prince Ukachukwu declared to a cheering crowd.

He described his campaign as a movement for transformation, pledging to rebuild the state’s institutions, empower the people, and usher in a leadership that places citizens’ welfare above politics. “This election is about meaningful change, restoring hope, and building a future where every Anambra son and daughter can thrive,” he said.

Prince Ukachukwu expressed confidence that under his leadership, Anambra would experience a revival that would serve as a model of progressive governance in the South East. “When we win this election, we will stand solidly behind President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Together, we will prove that APC represents true leadership, competence, and development,” he affirmed.

President Tinubu, he noted, has consistently shown loyalty to the ideals of progressivism and remains committed to ensuring a credible, free, and fair election in Anambra. Prince Ukachukwu added that the growing momentum of the APC in the state reflects the people’s readiness for a new era of honest and visionary leadership.

In his words, “The tide has changed. Ndi Anambra now understands that the APC is the party of progress. We are here to build bridges, unite communities, and deliver prosperity that will outlive political cycles.”

Chief Evaristus Obiano in a brief remark said the people of Anambra East are fully ready to embrace change. “We helped the current governor into office, but he turned his back on us. Now, it’s time to correct that mistake. Prince Ukachukwu represents the change we need,” he stated.

Marcel Iferika, APC Chairman for Anambra East, assured that the local government council was fully aligned with Prince Ukachukwu’s vision and would deliver decisive victory for the APC on Nov 8, insisting that Prince Ukachukwu will win Anambra East.

“The people have spoken, and they stand firmly with him,” he declared.

Hon. Oby Ndigwe exhuding confidence, affirmed that the local government has resolved to vote massively for Ukachukwu as the candidate of integrity, competence, and vision.

Comrade Simon Itali Okoye, criticized the current administration for neglecting the area despite their earlier huge support. “Our people have been abandoned, and key projects meant for us are being moved elsewhere. Our hope now rests with Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the APC,” he said.

He however rattled those tugging at the helm of Ukachukwu’s dress. He insisted that all appointments, State and National Assembly hopefuls must be a collective choice, or else it would not be accepted. He lamented over such persons who he named openly chosen in recent past but performed woefully and disappointed everyone.

Innocent Nduanya, Deputy President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and Legislative Assistant to the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, said the youths of Anambra East were ready to deliver for the APC.

“We are armed with our voter cards, prepared and determined. Anambra East has accepted that Prince Ukachukwu will be the next governor. We are tired of APGA; it’s time for change, and APC is the answer”.

Ukachukwu used the opportunity of the campaign rally to receive those who defected in large numbers from APGA, YPP, PDP and Labor Party to APC.

…insists on dev Omasi Gas deposit

By Chuks Collins, Awka

There shall no longer be any more rhetorics on development and insecurity to citizens of Anambra State especially the Anambra North senatorial zone once the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu takes over as governor on Nov 8,2025.

This were the main message Prince Ukachukwu delivered to the zone at Anaku, and Omo communities respectively at the massively attended campaign rally late afternoon Friday .

Giving snippets from his Development Agenda for the area while addressing the visibly excited crowds at Omo and Anaku communities both in Ayamelum Council Area of Anambra State, the governorship candidate urged them to give him their all see the massive transmission he would unleash to the area.

He assured them of his commitment to providing security, agricultural development through the Agric chain revolution, reliable power supply and the tapping of the Omasi Power Plant, which would provide 24-hour electricity to their full benefit.

He also plans to set up a university and to grant scholarships to students from the area.

Lamenting on the very poor dilapidated condition of virtually all their roads, Ukachukwu promised to construct good motorable network of roads, and to create employment opportunities for the teeming youths in the area, protection of their farm from herdsmen, creating an industrial park to generate employment opportunities.

He will equally create livable environment conducive for Ndi Anambra.

Key stakeholders from the area including Chief
Ikechukwu Maduka Nebuife, who is an APC stalwart, John Anigbogu icheke, past deputy Chairman Ayamelum; Eziagulu Offodile, former Social Democratic Party Chairman ( SDP) who led his members into APC at the venue encouraged Ayamelum people and all Anambra citizens to embrace and support Ukachukwu on Nov 8 , 2025.

They reiterated that Ukachukwu has vowed to improve and build roads in Ayamelum and the entire senatorial zone to enable them have a sense of belonging.

That the were fully convinced that he would fulfill the promise to create employment opportunities to stimulate growth in the state, promising security measures to ensure a safe environment for bussiness and investors.

They lamented that “we are not comfortable with the All Progressive Grand Alliance ( APGA) government anymore.

“We are like people forgotten, they kept giving us empty promises , we dont have roads in our community, we believed ikukuoma because he is a man that stick to his promises, everybody should work hard come together to deliver him to government house , time of deceit from APGA government has gone , a new era has emerged and that is Ukachukwu”

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has stirred controversy after announcing cash reward for every ward won by his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, in the forthcoming November 8 governorship election.

While speaking on Saturday during the party’s campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area, Soludo promised to give his party supporters N1m.

He said, “When we were campaigning for the Senate, we knew we were going to win every ward in the South Senatorial Zone, but we still had some incentives. Any ward that APGA won received N1m, and we won all the wards in Orumba South.

“We promised each of these wards N1m and next week, we will redeem it. The ward that comes first will get N5m, the second N3m and the third N2m. That was the deal. For November 8, any ward that wins again will receive N1m, while the first three performing wards will get N5m, N2m and N1m respectively.”

The pledge provoked backlash from opposition parties and civil society organisations, which described the move as open inducement and a gross violation of the Electoral Act.

About 2.8 million registered voters are expected to participate in the poll, in which 16 political parties and their candidates will contest the governorship seat.

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, had emphasised the significance of the Anambra election in consolidating the country’s democracy.

Opposition fumes

The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in the South-East, Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, said Soludo’s action amounted to vote-buying and abuse of office.

“Clearly, this is vote-buying and against the electoral law. Soludo has been carrying out undemocratic activities in this election. He has been forcing communities to commit their votes through their leaders.

“The N1m offer is just one of many. We will write to INEC, EFCC, police, and other relevant security agencies about his actions,” Arodiogbu said.

Similarly, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, urged INEC to act swiftly, describing Soludo’s promise as “a public confession of vote-buying.”

The Labour Party also criticised the governor, accusing him of weaponising poverty.

“This is not good for democracy. Why is he giving out money now that elections are near? This is vote-buying and manipulation. He has failed in governance and now wants to buy legitimacy with money. We will raise this matter at the next stakeholders’ meeting with INEC,” LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said.

A former Zonal Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mike Ahumibe, also faulted the development, saying it undermined electoral integrity.

He said, “Once there is money involved, it is no longer free and fair. Elections should be about the people’s choice, not about who can pay the most.”

Gov’s move dangerous, INEC must act — CSOs

Also, some civil society organisations described the governor’s promise as dangerous.

The Executive Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership and rights activist, Debo Adeniran, said Soludo’s action had institutionalised vote-buying and monetised the electoral process in the state.

Adeniran said, “This is reprehensible. The governor of a state should be a shining example of good behaviour. Vote-buying is an electoral crime for which the governor could be tried once he relinquishes his immunity. It is a way of instigating the people against the law.

“What he has done amounts to electoral indiscipline and a criminal act. The authorities should stop him. INEC, under Amupitan, should take exceptional notice of it and apply the appropriate section of the law to discipline the governor. His immunity doesn’t cover electoral offences.”

Corroborating this view, a former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Alhaji Yabagi Sani, described the governor’s move as a dangerous precedent capable of undermining democratic values.

He explained that the statement amounted to an open attempt to commercialise the electoral process, which could fuel electoral malpractice and weaken public confidence in governance.

Sani called on INEC, the police, and the EFCC to investigate the statement, noting that a formal letter should be sent to him to clarify his remarks.

He said, “It will have a lot of negative influence on politics because it means he has openly commercialised the election, and that is clear rigging. The money he’s talking about is the people’s money, which he wants to use to win the election because others do not have access to it. Even if they did, it’s not a good practice at all. That’s a bad idea for democracy.

“They preach against the use of money in elections, yet some of these people are commercialising the process to gain advantage. I think INEC, the police, and EFCC should also ask him to explain his statement. A letter should be sent to him to clarify why he made such a remark because it runs contrary to the laws of the land.”

Also, an election monitoring group, YIAGA Africa, described Soludo’s promise as a threat to democracy.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, the Media and Communication Officer of YIAGA Africa, Jennifer Dafwat, called for a stiffer punishment for politicians caught engaging in vote-buying.

Dafwat said Soludo’s statement further highlighted a deep-rooted problem in Nigeria’s political culture, where incentives and material rewards are used to influence voters’ choices long before election day.

She said, “Vote-buying is not limited to the act of exchanging money on election day. It includes any form of incentive meant to sway people’s decisions in favour of a candidate. What Governor Soludo said clearly falls within that category.”

She explained that such offers take advantage of widespread poverty and hunger, turning elections into transactions rather than contests of ideas and competence.

Reacting to the allegations, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, dismissed the accusations of vote-buying, describing the governor’s promise as a simple act of motivation to energise supporters.

The commissioner accused opposition parties of deliberate mischief, insisting that the governor’s remarks were taken out of context.

“How does motivation for supporters amount to vote-buying? I don’t see how this amounts to selling and buying of votes, even if it’s true.

“Vote-buying, in my view, is the act of purchasing votes. A vote must be priced and bought; that’s vote-buying. So, how many votes has Soludo purchased by such a promise?” he queried.

Speaking further, he said “Though I didn’t hear the governor say it, I don’t see anything wrong with a leader motivating his supporters. We have two forms of motivation, intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic motivation is material reward, which could be monetary.”

Over 22,000 ad hoc staff to be employed

Meanwhile, INEC has disclosed plans to deploy over 22,000 ad hoc staff of various categories to man the polling units across Anambra State for the forthcoming governorship election.

Speaking during a press briefing at the INEC headquarters in Awka on Saturday, the National Commissioner supervising Anambra and Chairman of the Tenders Board Committee, Dr Kenneth Ikeagu, said about 540 accredited journalists would also participate in the exercise.

According to information obtained by Sunday PUNCH, Anambra State has a total of 5,720 polling units.

Each unit, in line with INEC’s standard procedure, will be manned by four officials—one Presiding Officer and three Assistant Presiding Officers (APO I, II, and III)—bringing the total number of ad hoc personnel to approximately 22,800.

In addition, Supervisory Presiding Officers will be assigned to oversee activities at the various ward centres across the state.

When asked about the number of registered voters who had collected their Permanent Voter Cards as of Saturday, Ikeagu said he did not have the exact figure, noting that the collection exercise was still ongoing.

He added that the total number of collected PVCs would be made public at the end of the exercise.

Ikeagu stressed that the collection period would not be extended except on special directive from the INEC headquarters.

He further expressed confidence in the level of voter enlightenment ahead of the poll.

“Anambra people are very knowledgeable and have been adequately sensitised on how and when to vote. The election will start at 8:30am and end at 2:30pm. Anyone on the queue within that period will be allowed to cast their ballot,” he said.

PVC collection suffers setback

In the meantime, the PVC collection exercise, which began on Wednesday across the state and is expected to end on Sunday (today), has recorded low turnout across several parts of the state.

Findings by one of our correspondents, who visited collection centres in Amawbia, Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and other locations, revealed that the process had not progressed as smoothly as anticipated.

At most of the centres visited, registered voters were seen waiting in long queues to collect their cards, but with only one or two INEC officials available, the process moved slowly.

Some frustrated voters were observed leaving the centres without being attended to.

INEC officials at Uruagu Ward 11 and Akaboezem centres in Nnewi, as well as Imeudo Ward 1 centre in Onitsha attributed the slow pace to ongoing business and commercial activities across the state.

They, however, said the exercise had remained peaceful with no incidents of violence recorded.

Commenting on the exercise, the immediate past Publicity Secretary of the APC and a member of the party’s governorship campaign council, Okelo Madukaife, expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of the process.

Madukaife acknowledged that the exercise had been peaceful but lamented that it was moving too slowly due to insufficient INEC personnel.

“Apart from a few cases of law violations by APGA, things are generally running smoothly but slowly, based on the information available to us. INEC should deploy more personnel to speed up the process,” he said.

Also reacting, Johnson Okoye, the Special Assistant on Media to the Labour Party candidate, Dr George Moghalu, blamed INEC for the sluggish collection, saying the commission failed to create adequate awareness for the exercise.

He said, “This experience shows that while our people are willing and eager to collect their PVCs, the process itself needs urgent improvement. INEC must deploy more staff, provide additional equipment, and ensure that the process is faster and more efficient.

“Another challenge is lack of awareness. Many of our people, especially those from the LP strongholds, didn’t even know that their voter’s cards are ready for collection. I therefore call on INEC to intensify public sensitisation, especially in rural areas, through radio, community leaders, and local announcements.

“The PVC remains the only power the people have to determine the future of our state. I encourage every eligible voter to make the effort to collect theirs, because that card is our voice, our choice, and our tool to build a better Anambra.” (PUNCH)