By Donald Ifenna
Time is obviously running out for any possibility of a credible voice of opposition that will be capable of generating any significant public dissent against Professor Chukwuma Soludo whose administration is now unrestrainedly exposed to scathing appraisals from one and all, consequent upon Anambra State gubernatorial election a few weeks away. Surprisingly, and to the consternation of a large population of people who live off the loose monies that usually line their pockets at such election season, the prevailing Anambra political space is devoid of the cavalier outbursts of cantankerous politicians who readily sourced willing thugs from the unwieldy army of unemployed youths there was to coax public support for various political camps of theirs, and very often willfully provoke chaotic situations all about the state. Though such malevolent political patrons exist still, the recruitment pool for thugs has been significantly weakened by Soludo administration’s policies and actions aimed at sanitising the polity. The government’s “One Youth, Two Skills” scheme for instance has taken thousands of able bodied youths off the street and offered them viable skills and startup capital for decent life. While the number of those directly benefiting from this scheme keeps rising, there is exponential increase in the population of its secondary beneficiaries who are dutifully mentored by graduates of the scheme. Again the leverage of Soludo’s free education on pupils and students in their formative ages, in addition to government’s strategic drive towards dousing the “quick and awkward wealth and influence syndrome” amongst the youth by making such indulgence punishable, unattractive and grossly unpopular has also contributed to the characteristic calmness of the electioneering campaign for Anambra November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election. One might freely call it the Soludo effect. And it is deep and effective.
Soludo’s recognisable success in reappraising and positively repositioning the people’s preferences for acceptable ethical behaviours that have far-reaching implications on society is probably Anambra’s most sublime yet most uncelebrated gain from his administration. It is so because the Anambra of tomorrow, infrastructure and all, can only be founded on the tenets of conscionable acts, such that Soludo’s administration is consciously and painstakingly entrenching in the people’s consciousness and through government policies and actions. Admittedly, Soludo’s obvious footprints in tangible terms are brilliant and loud enough to undeniably avail him a second term, but his exceptional insistence on fighting the cause of greater Anambra other than toeing populist agenda of bearish political cabals, stand him out as an all-time conscientious leader of his people.
It is probably for the singular reason of seeking the ultimate good of an envisioned Anambra State that the indiscriminate crop of Anambra statesmen and people of substance across political divides, business interests and diverse professional inclinations find a common convergence in the choice of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo as the catalyst to propel the much desired structural reengineering that will birth the dream state. Little wonder the opposition who, mindful of the oneness of mind of Anambra people on who runs their collective affairs, merely puts up lethargic appearances just enough show to justify belonging to opposing camps with the governor. However, should any of the candidates have broken the banks to procure their political party’s candidature with phantom hope of peddling influence to ruin the political process to their favour, the realities of the unfolding politics of the state vis-à-vis national politics would have duly instructed consequential restraint in disbursements. This late realization has further dipped harmony even in their conclave. It is politics all the same, regardless; one’s loss, another’s gain.
Governor Soludo has left nobody in doubt of his iron-cast bent on continuing to push his development agenda regardless of momentary distractions upon the impending poll or detractors’ irrationable tugs. Though his victory is assured, Mr. Governor still finds quality time for political rallies which provide him vintage opportunities to present his scorecard to the Anambra electorates and present himself for the upcoming election. At every stop, the overwhelming reception and endorsement the governor receives from Ndi-Anambra further frustrates the opposition. The people’s sentiments sit well with the national and international endorsements Soludo’s administration has gained resultant upon the effects of the governor’s far-reaching development thrusts in the state. Recall that the governor has been variously decorated for his transformational approach to governance (more in the areas of economic reforms, urban renewal, education and health reforms, and adherence to universally acceptable conducts in governance) by notable institutions like the Sun and Vanguard Newspapers and the House of Representatives of South Carolina. For his ingenious attainments in the governance of Anambra State, Professor Soludo earned Triple Awards at the 2025 Global Power Forum in New York.
Professor Chukwuma Soludo, having adequately proved his mettle as a seasoned administrator of human and material resources in the governance of the state, enjoys unfettered support of the Anambra electorates who, celebrating his outstanding achievements in running the affairs of the state, are even more determined to re-elect him on November 8, 2025 than they supported his election in November 6, 2021. Ndi-Anambra are eagerly waiting for the election day to overwhelmingly rededicate the state to Professor Soludo’s trusted care.
Ifenna, a sociopolitical analyst, writes from Abuja
