EDITORIAL: Ekwunife’s Apology: A Step Towards Responsible Politics, Despite Disconnect

By Tony Okafor

In Nigerian politics, apologies are rare. Ego and pride often overshadow humility, with disputes more likely to escalate than to be resolved.

Against this backdrop, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), deserves credit for apologising to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Nonye, after the First Lady was dragged into a needless quarrel.

The controversy began when Governor Soludo allegedly questioned the authenticity of Senator Ekwunife’s academic credentials.

In retaliation, Ekwunife issued remarks that crossed into personal territory.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Nonye Soludo was unfairly pulled into the fray, with damaging claims that could have lingered if left unchecked.

In a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Tony Ezike, Ekwunife apologised and clarified her position.

She categorically disowned a viral publication linking Mrs. Soludo’s children to another political figure, stressing that such content did not emanate from her or her supporters.

She also urged her followers to remain focused on the campaign and avoid further inflaming tensions.

This gesture is significant. By offering an apology—though not a direct retraction of her initial remarks—Ekwunife has demonstrated a level of political maturity that is often missing from Nigeria’s campaign culture.

It signals an effort to move away from smear tactics and towards more responsible politics.

Still, the disconnect cannot be ignored. The First Lady should not have been dragged into what was essentially a political contest.

There is no justification for personalising debates by targeting family members. That misstep remains a cautionary tale for politicians tempted to go beyond the issues and weaponise private lives.

Skeptics may question the sincerity of the apology, seeing it as a strategy to avoid litigation or conserve energy for the campaign ahead.

They may ask: does it erase the damage? Is it truly heartfelt? Such doubts are inevitable.

Yet, even if strategic, the apology matters. It acknowledges responsibility, restores some civility, and sets a better tone for the campaign season.

The lesson here is simple: political contests should be guided by ideas and substance not insults and slander.

By stepping back and offering an apology, Senator Ekwunife has shown that reconciliation and ambition can coexist.

Her action should not be mistaken for weakness. On the contrary, it reflects strength and humility—qualities badly needed in our politics today.

The ultimate beneficiaries are not only Governor Soludo and his family but the Anambra electorate, who deserve a campaign season defined by responsibility and respect.

As the election gathers momentum, Ekwunife’s move is a signal that the tone can be reset. Others on the political stage would do well to follow suit.