By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
As Anambra State marches toward the highly anticipated November 8, 2025, governorship election, a new political wave is building momentum—one that challenges the traditional structures of power and calls on the people to reclaim their democratic voice.
At the heart of this groundswell is Ozozuluezu Jeff Nweke, the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), whose candidacy is gaining traction rapidly across the state’s 21 local government areas.
In a political climate often dominated by godfatherism, backdoor deals, and elite calculations, Nweke’s campaign is defying the odds.
It is shaping up as a mass movement powered by the people themselves—traders, artisans, youths, professionals, market women, and traditional leaders—who see in him a refreshing alternative to the usual politics.
The political landscape in Anambra has, over the years, been defined by a few dominant players—All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, in recent months, a shift has begun. Many disenchanted voters are looking for something different—something more authentic, people-focused, and accountable. For many of them, Jeff Nweke is that difference.
A trained security expert, successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Ozo titleholder, Nweke is no stranger to public service. But it is his deep-rooted connection to the people, particularly at the grassroots level, that has made his campaign resonate.
On July 3, 2025, he officially flagged off his governorship campaign in Awka, the state capital, with a mammoth crowd thronging the Marble Art Hotel conference arena.
The event was more than just a political rally—it was a reaffirmation of hope. It brought together over 35 support groups, leaders of the Hausa and Yoruba communities, market associations, youth and women organisations, traditional rulers, and party stakeholders, all eager to witness the beginning of what some have called “a revolution of conscience.”
In his address, Nweke outlined a bold vision to “wipe off the tears of poverty, hunger, insecurity, and corruption” that he says have long plagued the people of Anambra.
He promised a total overhaul of the governance structure and a refocus on policies that would directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
“The people power me, and my government will be a government of the people,” he declared, evoking thunderous applause.
According to him, his administration, if elected, will prioritise security through professional intelligence-led operations and community safety initiatives, as well as education, with an emphasis on improving infrastructure, teacher welfare, and curriculum innovation.
Other areas include job creation and youth empowerment, primarily through entrepreneurship and vocational training; an agricultural revolution as the foundation of the state’s economy; the inclusion of women and mainstreaming of gender-sensitive development policies; and transparent governance that will block leakages and dismantle patronage systems.
He was unequivocal, “We don’t have sponsors, and that’s our greatest asset. Nobody will sit on our neck to make demands after the election.”
Nweke’s rise is not accidental. Known across the state and beyond for his grassroots philanthropy, he has sponsored scholarships, provided relief materials, empowered traders and artisans, and supported youth initiatives across various communities.
His reputation as a security consultant who helped stabilise conflict-prone areas in the state—particularly Awka and Ihiala—has earned him respect and admiration.
Toochukwu Nwokoye, a prominent youth leader from Awka, testified that “Jeff Nweke has empowered over 10,000 youths across Awka since 2019. He’s our choice because he has proven he can deliver.”
Leaders from the Yoruba and Hausa communities echoed similar sentiments.
Alhaji Kehinde Alade, speaking on behalf of the Yoruba residents, described Nweke as “a compassionate leader with integrity.” At the same time, Hussain Haruna of the Hausa community recounted instances where Nweke had personally intervened to rescue their members from dangerous situations.
“He is not just a politician; he is a friend of the people. When we were fasting during Ramadan, he fed us not only in Awka but in Nnewi, Ekwulobia, and Onitsha,” Haruna added.
The Action Alliance’s surge has not gone unnoticed. Political watchers believe that Nweke’s campaign is disrupting what was once thought to be a two-horse race between the incumbent Governor Charles Soludo of APGA and other major party candidates.
The endorsement of Nweke by a faction of the Hausa community has already sparked tension within Soludo’s camp.
A counterstatement by Alhaji Iliyasu Yushau, the Sarkin Hausawan Onitsha and a pro-Soludo ally, dismissed Haruna’s endorsement as “false and misleading,” stating that the Hausa community remains in support of Soludo’s re-election.
However, the drama only underscores the shifting political landscape. As more residents, particularly the youth and rural communities, rally behind the AA candidate, the narrative is increasingly about “the people versus the establishment.”
One of the major themes of Nweke’s message is his rejection of vote buying and transactional politics. He consistently reminded supporters that the power of change lies in their hands, not in money handed out on Election Day.
“This election is not for sale. Let nobody buy your conscience with dirty money. That N2,000 won’t last, but your suffering will last four more years,” he warned.
He lamented how, in past elections, voters often chose candidates based on bribes rather than competence. “We must break that cycle this time,” he said.
The Action Alliance campaign in Anambra has become more than an electoral project—it is becoming a movement of liberation. A movement built on the pillars of equity, dignity, justice, and the right to a better life.
Throughout his speech and in various interactions, Nweke reiterated that “this election is a test for the poor, the unemployed, and the marginalised.” He urged the electorate to reclaim governance and use the ballot as a weapon of peaceful revolution.
“This is our time to say no to bad governance and yes to a better future,” he said. “We want quality education, functional infrastructure, and an economy that works for all. These things are not luxuries—they are your rights.”
As the campaign season heats up, Nweke has also appealed to fellow candidates and parties to maintain decorum and focus on real issues rather than mudslinging. “Election is not a do-or-die affair. It’s about serving the people. Let’s put the people first,” he urged.
He expressed gratitude to the Action Alliance leadership, his campaign team, and the numerous support groups that have rallied behind him, promising not to betray their trust.
With less than four months to the polls, Anambra State is bracing for what may be one of its most transformative elections yet. The big question is whether Jeff Nweke’s people-powered campaign can overcome the entrenched systems of money, patronage, and incumbency.
What is clear, however, is that the 2025 governorship election is no longer a predictable contest. With his grassroots appeal, clear message, and unwavering resolve, Jeff Nweke and the Action Alliance have inserted themselves into the heart of Anambra’s political conversation.
Whether it ends in a political upset or not, one thing is sure: the political consciousness of Ndi Anambra is being reawakened—and that alone is a victory.
