“Nwoke Factory” Is Our Choice, Supporters Hit Back at Soludo over Comment on Ebuka Onunkwo

By Our Correspondent

Supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidate for Anambra South, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, have hit back at Governor Chukwuma Soludo over his recent comments about the businessman, declaring: “Nwoke Factory is our choice.”

The development followed comments attributed to Soludo during his recent campaign tour of Ekwusigo Local Government Area, where Onunkwo hails from.

The governor was reported to have referred to Onunkwo as “Nwoke Factory”, meaning a factory owner, and urged the people to leave him to face his business, while suggesting that governance and Senate representation should be entrusted to educated people.

The remarks had earlier sparked controversy, with a political think-tank, Equity Movement, Turn By Turn (EMTBT), criticising the governor over what it described as a veiled attack on Onunkwo.

Onunkwo, however, had said he would not engage the governor in a war of words, describing Soludo as his elder brother and governor.

He also noted that he had previously served as chairman of Soludo’s campaign organisation in Ekwisigo during the governor’s re-election campaign.

Rather than respond to the governor’s remarks with a political attack, Onunkwo said his focus remained on his ambition to represent Anambra South in the Senate.

Reacting to the development, Onunkwo’s supporters said his background as an industrialist and businessman was not a disqualification from seeking elective office, insisting that his experience in managing businesses, creating jobs and empowering people had prepared him for public service.

They said they had no doubt about whom they wanted to represent Anambra South in the Senate.

“In this moment of crucial decision-making, we have no other choice than to support a man of vision, integrity and uncommon capacity, HRM, Dr Ebuka Onunkwo,” they said.

According to the supporters, Onunkwo was “not a stranger to the needs of Ndi Anambra South,” having built a business empire, created jobs, empowered young people and invested in communities.

They argued that his experience as an industrialist could be an asset in public office, particularly in attracting investment, creating employment and promoting development.

“His leadership style is solution-driven and people-centred. He has the competence to drive legislative innovation, attract investment and bring lasting infrastructure to our senatorial zone,” they said.

The supporters further claimed that Onunkwo enjoyed acceptance across communities in Anambra South, describing his support as a product of what they called “consistent service, humility and leadership that resonates.”

“As a traditional leader par excellence, he commands respect not by title alone, but by his actions, compassion and unwavering commitment to the values of Anambra South progressivism, unity and development,” they said.

They maintained that the electorate would ultimately determine who would represent the district, adding that voters would consider the capacity of candidates to represent their interests and attract development to the senatorial zone.

“We are going to elect not just a senator, but a capacity builder, a bridge between tradition and modernity, and a voice that will speak boldly for our people in the Senate,” they said.

“The time is now. The choice is clear. Our choice is Nwoke Factory,” they declared.

Onunkwo had earlier expressed confidence in his chances of winning the Anambra South senatorial election, saying the electorate would determine who was popular and who could represent them effectively.