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In the upcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra State, all eyes are on the state as political heavyweights prepare to face off in what promises to be a heated contest. One such contender, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, has made strong claims regarding his capability to unseat the incumbent Governor, Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). In a bold statement, the APC candidate, who has remained a figure of controversy and intrigue in Anambra politics, boasted of his experience, ties to significant figures, and his belief in his ability to claim victory in the November 8, 2025 election.

As the political climate intensifies in the state, the APC candidate has made several public statements asserting his readiness and strategic ability to wrest power from the current administration. His recent remarks, including a claim that he was once a “godfather” to Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, have sparked significant attention within both local and national political spheres.

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The APC candidate’s boasting of his ties to Peter Obi is an attempt to leverage his historical association with a key political figure in Anambra. Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, has long been viewed as an influential politician not only within the state but across Nigeria. His political legacy is widely regarded as one of reform and prudent governance, particularly during his tenure as governor from 2006 to 2014.

According to the APC candidate, his role as a “godfather” to Peter Obi when Obi served as governor is a significant indicator of his own political influence in Anambra. The candidate described himself as someone who was pivotal in Obi’s rise to power and a key figure in shaping the political landscape of the state during that period. By making this claim, the candidate seeks to align himself with Obi’s popularity and governance style, hoping that the former governor’s reputation will rub off on him during the upcoming election.

Though many may view these claims with skepticism, particularly given Obi’s transition to the Labour Party and his distance from the APC, the APC candidate’s comments are a testament to the political maneuvering that often defines gubernatorial elections in states like Anambra. The interplay of political relationships, endorsements, and allegiances is a critical factor in determining success in these high-stakes contests.

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While the APC candidate’s association with Peter Obi may not guarantee him any electoral success, it is an attempt to remind the electorate of his deep roots in Anambra’s political landscape. His narrative, in which he presents himself as an experienced and seasoned politician with significant influence, is a calculated effort to enhance his appeal to voters who may feel disillusioned by the current leadership of Soludo.

The APC candidate has not been shy about his ambition to challenge Governor Charles Soludo, who currently holds the office of governor in Anambra State under the APGA. Soludo, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, is known for his technocratic approach to governance and his campaign for economic reforms in Anambra. However, his tenure has also faced its share of controversies, particularly in his handling of security challenges and infrastructure development in the state.

In his public comments, the APC candidate has criticized Soludo’s administration, accusing him of being out of touch with the needs of the people of Anambra. He has highlighted the state’s growing security concerns, underdeveloped infrastructure, and economic challenges as key areas where Soludo’s leadership has failed to deliver. According to the APC candidate, Anambra deserves a leader who can bring practical solutions to the table and address the real concerns of the people, rather than relying on lofty ideas and policies that have not translated into tangible results.

The APC candidate has vowed to provide effective leadership, offering a sharp contrast to the leadership style of Soludo. He has positioned himself as a man of action who understands the pulse of the people and is ready to work tirelessly to improve the state’s fortunes. His promise to tackle insecurity, improve infrastructure, and create a more favorable environment for businesses has resonated with certain segments of the electorate who feel that Soludo has not adequately addressed these issues.

By directly challenging Soludo’s leadership, the APC candidate is attempting to capitalize on any discontent with the current administration. Whether or not this strategy will succeed remains to be seen, but it is clear that the APC candidate views Soludo as the biggest obstacle to his political aspirations.

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The APC candidate has not only sought to distance himself from Soludo’s administration but has also been strategic in his approach to building a broad coalition of support across the state. He has reached out to various groups, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth organizations, in an effort to galvanize widespread backing for his candidacy. The candidate’s campaign message focuses on unity, economic development, and the empowerment of Anambra’s youth, all of which are key issues for the state’s electorate.

Additionally, the APC candidate has worked hard to present himself as a man of the people, emphasizing his humble beginnings and his understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens. His narrative is one of someone who has worked his way up the political ladder and now seeks to give back to his community. This personal touch is intended to appeal to voters who may feel disconnected from the political elite or who are dissatisfied with the perceived elitism of the current government.

His campaign has also focused heavily on security, with promises to create a safer environment for residents and businesses. In a state that has been plagued by kidnappings, armed robberies, and other forms of violence, the APC candidate’s commitment to security resonates with many who feel unsafe in their own communities.

Anambra State’s political landscape is heavily influenced by what is often referred to as the “godfather” system—powerful political figures or groups that exert significant influence over elections and political appointments. These godfathers play a crucial role in determining who gets elected and how resources are allocated in the state. The APC candidate’s claim to have been a “godfather” to Peter Obi is an attempt to position himself as a key player in this political system, even as he works to unseat Soludo.

The influence of political godfathers is particularly strong in Anambra, where power dynamics are shaped by relationships between political figures, traditional rulers, and influential businesspeople. The APC candidate’s experience in navigating these networks is seen as a potential advantage, as he attempts to rally support from key stakeholders across the state.

While the godfather system has often been criticized for perpetuating political patronage and limiting the democratic process, it remains a dominant force in Nigerian politics. The APC candidate’s efforts to align himself with the godfather narrative may help him gain traction with voters who are familiar with the political realities of Anambra.

Despite his bold statements and strategic campaigning, the APC candidate faces several challenges in his bid to capture Anambra State. One of the most significant hurdles is the dominance of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state. APGA, led by Governor Charles Soludo, has a strong presence in Anambra, and the party has consistently won key political offices in the state. Soludo’s popularity, particularly among certain segments of the electorate, presents a formidable obstacle for the APC candidate.

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Moreover, the APC has historically struggled to make inroads in the southeastern part of Nigeria, where Anambra is located. The APC’s support base in the region is relatively limited compared to other regions of the country, and this may work against the APC candidate in the upcoming election. Overcoming these regional political dynamics will require significant effort, especially in building relationships with local communities and gaining the trust of voters who may have traditionally supported other parties.

Another challenge facing the APC candidate is the issue of internal party dynamics. While the candidate enjoys support from certain factions within the APC, he must also contend with the presence of other political figures within the party who may have their own ambitions for the governorship. This could lead to internal divisions and undermine the APC’s overall electoral strategy in Anambra.

As the November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election in Anambra State draws nearer, the political contest is set to be one of the most closely watched in the country. The APC candidate’s bold claims and strategic positioning suggest that he is prepared for a fierce battle against incumbent Governor Charles Soludo and other contenders. Whether or not the APC candidate can successfully dislodge Soludo and secure victory in the election remains uncertain, but his strong political ties, campaign messaging, and ability to connect with key constituencies will play a significant role in shaping the outcome.

The election will not only have implications for Anambra State but also for the political landscape of Nigeria, as it reflects the broader dynamics of party politics, regional power struggles, and the influence of godfathers in shaping electoral outcomes. As voters head to the polls in November, they will have to choose between the current leadership of Soludo and the promise of change offered by the APC candidate, with both sides claiming to have the answers to the state’s pressing issues.