As the highly anticipated Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, gains significant traction, incumbent Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has boldly asserted that no opposition party can rival the tangible accomplishments of his administration in critical sectors such as education, infrastructure, and security. The governor's confident declarations came during an interactive media session with journalists held in Awka, the bustling state capital, where he engaged in a candid dialogue aimed at highlighting his government's progress and outlining future ambitions.
Soludo, who is seeking re-election under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), emphasized that the residents of Anambra have directly experienced the positive transformations brought about by his leadership. He dismissed criticisms from opposing camps as mere "empty opposition noise," insisting that the electorate's loyalty would remain firmly with his progressive agenda. "Come November 8, no opposition comes close to us," Soludo proclaimed with unwavering assurance. "The people of Anambra know what they want. They have felt the impact of this administration, and they will stand by progress. Most of those calling themselves opponents are supporters in disguise. All progressives are working together to re-elect a progressive."
This media chat served not only as a platform for Soludo to tout his first-term successes but also as a strategic move to consolidate support in a state known for its politically savvy populace. Anambra, often dubbed the "Light of the Nation" for its commercial vibrancy and intellectual prowess, has seen a series of dynamic governors, and Soludo's tenure has been marked by a deliberate focus on sustainable development amidst economic challenges facing Nigeria as a whole.
At the heart of Soludo's narrative is education, which he described as the cornerstone of his developmental blueprint. He revealed that his administration made a conscious and intentional choice to "rescue and revamp the public school system" in order to restore high-quality learning opportunities at every educational level, from primary to tertiary institutions. "The interest of the Anambra child is to be taught by the best teacher in the world, not by an incompetent one from his village," the governor articulated passionately, underscoring a shift towards meritocracy in the teaching profession.
Under his watch, teacher recruitment and deployment processes have been overhauled to prioritize competence over nepotism or local favoritism. Soludo detailed how substantial financial resources have been channeled into comprehensive teacher training programs, the integration of cutting-edge digital learning tools, and the extensive reconstruction of public school facilities. These initiatives, he argued, are designed to make education not only accessible but also globally competitive, ensuring that Anambra's youth are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. By investing in smart classrooms, e-learning platforms, and professional development workshops, the administration aims to bridge the gap between rural and urban educational outcomes, fostering a more equitable society.
Transitioning to infrastructure, Soludo highlighted his government's ability to achieve remarkable progress despite operating with constrained fiscal resources. In an era where many Nigerian states grapple with budget deficits and inflation, he positioned his leadership as a model of prudent governance. "Even with lean finances, we are making good roads, clamping down on insecurity, and maintaining one of the lowest tax regimes in Nigeria," he explained. "That’s what responsible governance looks like—development without overburdening the people."
The governor elaborated on the ongoing construction of expansive road networks that connect remote rural areas with urban centers, thereby facilitating smoother trade flows, reducing transportation costs, and invigorating local economies. Projects such as the rehabilitation of major highways, the building of bridges over previously impassable rivers, and the upgrading of feeder roads in agrarian communities have been prioritized to enhance connectivity. This infrastructure push, Soludo noted, is balanced with economic prudence, avoiding excessive borrowing or tax hikes that could stifle growth. By keeping Anambra's tax burden among the nation's lowest, his administration has endeared itself to businesses and residents alike, promoting an environment conducive to investment and entrepreneurship.
Security, another pillar of Soludo's achievements, was presented as a proactive and community-driven endeavor. Collaborating closely with traditional rulers, vigilante groups, and federal security agencies, the government has implemented strategies to preempt criminal activities rather than merely responding to them. "Our approach to security is proactive and people-centered," Soludo stated. "We are building structures that prevent crime rather than waiting to react to it." This includes the establishment of community policing initiatives, the deployment of technology for surveillance, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms that empower local leaders to maintain peace in their domains.
The media engagement also provided Soludo with an opportunity to unveil his vision for a second term, should the electorate grant him another mandate. He metaphorically described this phase as shifting into "gear four," symbolizing an acceleration in pace and scale of development. "If re-elected, we are moving faster. Gear four means greater efficiency, bigger projects, and more opportunities for our people," he enthused. This accelerated agenda encompasses rapid economic expansion through industrialization drives, the promotion of digital innovation hubs, and the creation of job opportunities in emerging sectors like technology and manufacturing.
Furthermore, Soludo announced plans to adopt and localize the Federal Government's certificate verification framework within Anambra. This move is intended to combat certificate forgery—a persistent issue in public sector recruitment—and to instill greater transparency and accountability in hiring processes. By verifying qualifications through a robust digital system, the administration seeks to ensure that only the most qualified individuals occupy key positions, thereby enhancing overall governance efficiency.
In concluding his remarks, Soludo reiterated his commitment to sustaining the reforms initiated during his first term and steering Anambra towards becoming a "smarter, more prosperous" state. "Our vision is to sustain the reforms we’ve started and create a smarter, more prosperous Anambra," he affirmed, painting a picture of a future where innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity define the state's trajectory.
The governor's media chat has undoubtedly injected fresh energy into the campaign season, with supporters praising his results-oriented approach while critics question whether these achievements are evenly distributed across the state's diverse senatorial zones. As November 8 approaches, political analysts predict a fiercely contested election, with Soludo's track record in education, infrastructure, and security forming the crux of his re-election bid. Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), are gearing up to challenge these claims, promising alternative visions for Anambra's future.
Soludo's assertions of opposition weakness—labeling many detractors as "supporters in disguise"—reflect a strategy to unify progressive forces under his banner. With Anambra's history of producing influential leaders, the outcome of this election could have broader implications for regional politics in Nigeria's South-East. Voters will ultimately decide if Soludo's "gear four" vision resonates enough to secure him another four years at the helm.
In the broader context of Nigeria's democratic landscape, Soludo's governance style—emphasizing merit, fiscal responsibility, and community involvement—offers a template that other states might emulate. As campaigns intensify with rallies, debates, and door-to-door engagements, the people of Anambra are poised to make a choice that will shape the state's path for years to come. Whether Soludo's declarations of unmatched progress will translate into electoral victory remains to be seen, but his media outing has certainly set a high bar for the opposition to surpass.
