Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra says his opponents in the upcoming Nov. 8 governorship election are merely using their candidatures as a means to raise funds.

Soludo, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made the assertion on Saturday during an endorsement rally organised by party faithful from the Anambra Central Senatorial District.

The political rally held at Ekwueme Square in Awka was organised to show support for the re-election of Soludo.

He said, “To ensure order, equity, and fairness in Anambra politics, the people came together and agreed on a zoning system among the three senatorial zones.

READ ALSO:VIDEO: Soludo Bans Loud Preaching In Anambra Markets, Threatens N500,000 Fine

“Anambra Central started it with Mr. Peter Obi, followed by Anambra North under Dr. Willie Obiano, and now it is the turn of Anambra South, and we will have it for eight years.

“After Soludo, power will shift back to Anambra Central. So, there is no contest or vacancy in Anambra State Government House.

“As far as we are concerned, nobody else is contesting. The other contenders are just doing fundraising, meeting with state governors, and seeking support.”

Soludo expressed gratitude to the people for their solidarity and support, promising to sustain the transformation and development agenda of his administration.

READ ALSO:Soludo Wins ‘Governor of the Year’ For Transformation of Anambra

“You have not seen anything yet; this is just the beginning. We are already putting plans in place for a rail network in the state, and it will be unveiled soon.

“We applied for this job, and we will continue working to improve the welfare of our people. With your continued support, Anambra will be transformed. A new Anambra is on the rise,” he said.

Soludo urged APGA faithful to go to their wards and mobilise the electorate to vote massively for APGA on Nov. 8.

READ ALSO:Soludo Wins ‘Governor of the Year’ For Transformation of Anambra

Earlier, Mr. Chukwuma Okoye, Deputy Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, read a communiqué on behalf of Anambra Central, endorsing Soludo’s candidacy and reaffirming support for the zoning formula to promote peace, equity, and progress.

The event also featured the conferment of the chieftaincy title “Olu Atu Egwu” on Governor Soludo by the traditional rulers of the Anambra Central Senatorial District.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Anambra governorship election for Nov. 8, 2025, with 16 candidates in the race.
(NAN)

Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has stated that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, should extend the courtesy of informing Governor Monday Okpebholo before visiting Edo State.

Oshiomhole made the remarks on Friday during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme, amid growing controversy over Governor Okpebholo’s recent warning to Obi against entering the state without prior notification.

The governor had linked Obi’s earlier visit to a security incident that allegedly led to the deaths of three people, an assertion that has sparked backlash and accusations of political intimidation.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Vs Obi: ‘It’s A Matter Of Decency, Self-respect — Oshiomhole

Defending the governor’s position, Oshiomhole argued that notifying state authorities before visiting state-owned facilities is a matter of protocol and mutual respect, especially for high-profile figures.

“Let’s be clear, the assets of Edo State are managed by the governor on behalf of the people,” the former Edo State governor said. “If I were to visit a public institution in another state, I would consider it proper to notify the authorities, this is just standard decency.”

Oshiomhole revealed that Obi was planning to visit a state-funded educational institution, noting that such a visit requires coordination with the appropriate government channels.

READ ALSO:OPINION: Oshiomhole’s Toxic Advice To Okpebholo

While acknowledging his long-standing acquaintance with Obi, Oshiomhole clarified their political divergence:

“Peter Obi and I have known each other for years. I respected him then, and I still do. But we don’t align politically, and I don’t agree with many of his positions.”

He maintained that the issue is not about politics or party affiliations but about observing protocol and showing respect for governance structures in any state.

The lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has insisted that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, should inform Governor Monday Okpebholo before visiting the state.

Oshiomhole said it is a matter of decency and self-respect for Peter Obi to do so ahead of his visit.

Okpebholo had warned Obi last week against visiting the state without prior security clearance, linking a recent trip by the former presidential candidate to a security breach that allegedly resulted in the deaths of three people.

READ ALSO:Abaribe Warns Okpebholo Over Obi Visit Threat

However, the governor’s remarks were greeted with widespread criticism, with many accusing him of using intimidation tactics against political opponents.

Reacting to the matter on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, on Friday, Oshiomhole said it is important to inform authorities when personalities like Obi plan to visit a state.

Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo, pointed out that the school in question, which Obi is expected to visit, is fully funded and maintained by the state government.

READ ALSO:Law Firm Gives Okpebholo 7 Days To Apologise, Retract Threat To Peter Obi’s Freedom Of Movement

“Let’s face it; the property of the Edo State Government is entrusted in the hands of the Edo State governor. If anyone, myself included, goes to Enugu or Anambra when Obi was governor and I want to visit a government-owned facility, like a nursing institution, it is a matter of decency and self-respect to inform the authorities.

“Peter Obi was my colleague, and we knew each other very well. I liked him then, and I still do, but politically, we don’t agree. I do not subscribe to his views on certain matters,” Oshiomhole said.