The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has raised strong concerns over what it described as the “growing wave of propaganda and personal attacks” dominating the build-up to the November 9, 2025 Anambra governorship election.
In a statement issued by the Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chief Chinemeze Ohia, the group warned leading political actors to stop what it termed “disgraceful campaign tactics” and return to issue-based engagements that uphold the dignity of Ndigbo.
Ohanaeze said it was “deeply unsettled” by the conduct of some top contenders and their associates, noting that the campaigns have increasingly relied on negative rhetoric rather than developmental agendas.
The organization named Governor Chukwuma Soludo of APGA, his wife Mrs. Nnonye Soludo, the APC governorship candidate Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate Senator Uche Ekwunife, as individuals whose exchanges have drawn public concern.
According to the statement, the “unrestrained verbal attacks and counter-attacks” not only diminish the value of political discourse but also “erode the cultural values of integrity, respect, and decorum for which the Igbo nation is known.”
While acknowledging the right of candidates to engage in robust debates, Ohanaeze stressed that such engagement must not degenerate into “hate speech or public ridicule.”
The group particularly cautioned against the heated exchanges between the spouses and deputies of the frontline candidates, saying such actions could set a negative tone for future elections.
Ohanaeze reiterated its neutrality in the elections but added a caveat, if the current trend continues, the body may be forced to publicly advocate for a more neutral candidate as a way of restoring dignity to the electoral process.
“Participation in campaigns laced with personal attacks calls into question the moral and ethical readiness of those involved to govern Anambra State,” the statement read.
The socio-cultural body emphasized that the elections should be about policies, governance capacity, and solutions to pressing socio-economic issues, not “entertainment through controversies.” It reminded all candidates that their actions reflect not just on themselves but on the image of the entire Igbo nation.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo does not endorse any candidate,” the statement concluded, “but we will not hesitate to speak out against behaviors that threaten the dignity of our people. Enough is enough—we urge all actors to return to the path of responsible, issue-based campaigns.”
