By Isotonu Dulue
Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has redefined the political landscape of Anambra State. In stark contrast to the handout-driven politics practiced by many, Soludo has remained focused on what he calls the “Politics of Development.”
His first term has witnessed a relentless wave of development across the three senatorial zones of the state. There should be no debate that a politics anchored in tangible development far outweighs the tokenism of periodic handouts, often doled out during election seasons. Soludo’s governance philosophy—firmly rooted in infrastructure, institutional reform, and public value—marks him as a leader genuinely attuned to the aspirations of his people.
Anambra cannot afford a relapse into the debilitating politics of freebies championed by political opportunists. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which has become synonymous with the state’s progressive ethos, has found a fitting torchbearer in Soludo. Under his leadership, the party’s legacy of good governance has not only been sustained but elevated, as reflected in his “People’s Manifesto.”
The result is visible: from road construction to healthcare, education to security, Anambra under Soludo has become one expansive construction site. His administration has allocated an impressive 77 percent of its budget to capital expenditure—doing more with less and ensuring that every kobo of taxpayers’ money counts. Notably, he has done all this without borrowing a single naira since assuming office.
Soludo’s results-driven leadership has earned him widespread approval, positioning him as the candidate to beat in the November 8, 2025, gubernatorial election. For many Ndi Anambra, he is already a consensus candidate, with a towering scorecard that sets him well ahead of any challenger.
Across the state and beyond, Anambra’s leading voices have reviewed Soludo’s performance—and the verdict is near-unanimous: a resounding vote of confidence. Remarkably, even political rivals are not left out. Former Governor, Senator, and Minister, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, openly endorsed Soludo at a recent town-hall meeting in Abuja, telling him in local parlance: “Carry go!”
Dr. Ngige disclosed that members of his party, the APC, had pleaded with him not to endorse Soludo. But true to his independent streak, he said he visited Anambra, saw the achievements firsthand, and declared: “I came. I saw. I did not conquer. I confirmed. Odenigbo, carry go!”
Before the Abuja and Lagos town-hall meetings, Governor Soludo had already received a flurry of endorsements from youth groups, students, and grassroots organizations. This groundswell of support transcends party lines. In fact, students were among those voluntarily contributing funds to purchase the governor’s nomination form—a rare testament to grassroots faith in leadership.
Expectedly, the governor heeded the call of his people and accepted to run again. As the constitution of the “Solution Government” goes, he could not turn his back on such an overwhelming mandate.
In recognition of his impact, Vanguard newspaper recently named him “Governor of the Year for Good Governance.” Similarly, stakeholders from Anambra North conferred on him the traditional title, Oluatuegwu—“He who is not afraid of duty.”
Given the overwhelming endorsements, it is clear that Soludo’s re-election is on a firm footing. Even Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi—another senior APC figure—has acknowledged that there is virtually no opposition to Soludo in Anambra today.
Indeed, Ndi Anambra—home and abroad—have sent a clear message to opposition aspirants: wait till 2029. For now, the Solution Government remains their choice. Their confidence is best captured in the emerging consensus: there is no vacancy in Awka Government House—fondly dubbed the “Light House”—which Soludo rebuilt, breaking a 34-year-old jinx.
As the campaign season kicks into gear, Soludo remains undistracted, pressing on with his development agenda. Only recently, the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), under his chairmanship, approved new contracts worth over ₦9.7 billion for infrastructure and key social reforms—further proof that for Soludo, governance is a continuous journey.
In the final analysis, Governor Soludo stands tall as a transformative leader. For Ndi Anambra, his re-election is not just a political choice—it’s a reaffirmation of a shared development vision.
Dulue, an economist, writes from Awka.
