Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, an aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Anambra State, has vowed to rescue the state from what he describes as a descent into chaos under incumbent Governor Charles Soludo. Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday after receiving N50 million nomination and expression of interest forms purchased on his behalf by the Anambra Coalition for Progressive Change, Okonkwo positioned himself as a formidable contender in the race for the November 2025 election. His assurance of a “rescue mission” comes with a promise to halt Anambra’s slide into insecurity and mismanagement, signaling a fierce battle ahead.
Okonkwo, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited, wasted no time in taking aim at Soludo, claiming the governor is rattled by his candidacy. “Since I declared my intent to contest, Soludo has been afraid because he knows I am the candidate to beat,” he asserted. He accused the governor of orchestrating moves to block his path to the APC ticket, alleging that Soludo is resorting to desperate measures—including financial inducements—to thwart his ambition. “We are aware of the huge amount being thrown around to ensure I don’t get the ticket,” Okonkwo said. “He knows he can’t square up with me on election day.”
The gesture from the Anambra Coalition for Progressive Change left Okonkwo visibly elated. Expressing gratitude for the group’s support, he described the N50 million forms as “a great gift” that reaffirmed his belief in a collective yearning for change. “I wasn’t expecting this, but I’m not in this race alone,” he said, smiling broadly. “Many have made up their minds that what’s happening in Anambra isn’t the way to go, particularly with the issue of insecurity.” He promised not to disappoint the coalition, the APC, or the people of Anambra if victorious, framing his candidacy as a grassroots movement to reclaim the state’s future.
Okonkwo’s speech was laced with defiance and optimism. “I am encouraged,” he declared. “If there was any doubt, I now know these people will match their words with action. They are beside me.” He thanked the coalition profusely, blessing their generosity and urging others to join the cause. “For those who haven’t joined this coalition, this is a wake-up call,” he warned. “We will do justice to rescue Anambra from a man who knows all, who takes no advice.” His jab at Soludo painted the governor as an arrogant leader out of touch with the state’s needs.
The aspirant exuded confidence in his electoral prospects, leaning on his political track record and regional influence. Hailing from Anambra Central, Okonkwo claimed dominance in Ndemili North and South, asserting, “The votes are domiciled there, and I am the leader of those areas—so the votes are guaranteed.” He recalled his role in past elections, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured the highest votes from his constituency in the last general election. “I am from the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria,” he said. “I led the campaign that produced Dr. Chris Ngige as Senator and delivered six House of Assembly members. I am back to produce the first APC governor in Anambra.”
Okonkwo’s strategy hinges on a coalition across Anambra’s senatorial zones. “Going into this election, we already have seven local councils,” he boasted. “We will partner with Anambra South and North to deliver Anambra for APC.” His assurance of a landslide victory rests on mobilizing traditional institutions, religious leaders, and grassroots supporters. “We may not control who gets the ticket, but with it in our hands, we will secure a resounding win,” he predicted, framing the primary as a mere stepping stone to triumph over Soludo.
The Anambra Coalition for Progressive Change, led by Chief Ndubuisi Ezeani, justified their investment in Okonkwo with a belief in his capacity to transform the state. “We mobilized funds to buy the form because Anambra is always first,” Ezeani said. “We need an individual with the track record and pedigree to develop our state, and we have settled for Chief Okonkwo.” While acknowledging Okonkwo’s personal wealth—he could have purchased the forms himself—Ezeani emphasized the coalition’s gesture as a sign of commitment. “We bought the form to show our seriousness,” he explained. “This is just a step; many other activities will follow before the primary, and we are sure he will win.”
Okonkwo’s candidacy taps into broader discontent with Soludo’s administration, particularly over rising insecurity—a persistent thorn in Anambra’s side. His pledge to address this issue resonates with a populace weary of violence and instability. By casting himself as a unifier and a proven leader, Okonkwo seeks to contrast his vision with what he portrays as Soludo’s aloof governance. “I am prepared for the battle,” he declared, signaling readiness to confront both internal party hurdles and the electoral showdown with the incumbent.
The stakes are high in Anambra, a state with a storied political history and fierce partisan rivalries. Okonkwo’s entry into the race injects fresh energy into the APC, which has yet to claim the governorship since its formation. His ties to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria and his role in past electoral successes lend credence to his claims of political prowess. If he secures the ticket, the contest against Soludo—an economist with his own formidable reputation—promises to be a clash of titans, testing Okonkwo’s ability to translate coalition support into votes.
For now, Okonkwo’s campaign is buoyed by the coalition’s backing and his own unflagging confidence. His “rescue mission” narrative frames the election as a referendum on Soludo’s leadership, with Okonkwo positioning himself as the antidote to perceived arrogance and failure. Whether this rhetoric will sway APC primaries and, ultimately, Anambra voters remains uncertain. But with the forms in hand and a coalition behind him, Okonkwo has fired a bold opening salvo, setting the stage for a contentious race that could reshape the state’s political landscape.
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