By Our Correspondent
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, yesterday declared that the zoning of the governorship among the state’s three senatorial districts is now official policy, vowing to hand over power to Anambra Central Senatorial District.
Soludo said the rotational arrangement, long observed informally, has been institutionalized to guarantee fairness, equity, and stability in the state’s politics.
He stressed that the system must be respected going forward to prevent needless conflicts over succession.
Soludo made the declaration at an endorsement rally for his candidacy, which coincided with the homecoming of Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi, who recently returned to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The governor explained that the South Senatorial District, which he represents, currently holds the governorship after the North occupied the position for eight years. At the completion of his tenure, he said, the baton would move to the Central District for another eight years.
Welcoming Ibezi back to APGA, Soludo said: “APGA serves as the umbrella for all progressives in Anambra. In fact, Anambra is synonymous with APGA, and APGA is synonymous with Anambra.”
He added that his campaign has grown into a grassroots movement, with communities sponsoring endorsement rallies at their own expense.
“We are going round the state, welcoming major stakeholders back into the fold. APGA has never been more united and stronger than it is today,” he declared.
Expressing confidence in a sweeping victory for APGA across the state’s 5,720 polling units and 326 wards, Soludo addressed the peculiar electoral challenge in Idemili North, which, despite having the highest number of registered voters, records consistently low turnout.
He urged the community to “break the paradox” in the November 8 election, assuring them of sustained development as “Anambra continues to rise.”
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, listed some of Soludo’s interventions in Idemili, including the construction of two smart schools and the recruitment of teachers, while expressing optimism of victory for APGA.
APGA’s National Chairman, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, and the State Chairman, Barr. Ifeatu Obiokoye, also welcomed Ibezi back to the party, describing his return as timely and significant.
Other speakers—including the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma; Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor; Dr. Nelson Omenugha; Mayors of Idemili North, Mr. Stanley Nkwoka; Idemili South’s Mrs. Amaka Obi; Chief Okey Muoaro; and Chief Tony Onyima—pledged their total support for Soludo’s reelection bid.
The event also featured the presentation of a N20 million cheque in support of the governor’s campaign.
