Soludo has failed to secure Anambra or grow its economy- Ukachukwu, APC guber candidate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, says the state has regressed under Governor Charles Soludo in virtually all sectors- security, education, and infrastructure. He insists that only a pragmatic and people-oriented government can revive the state’s economy, create jobs, and restore hope. Ukachukwu, a seasoned entrepreneur, featured on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he spoke extensively about his vision for Anambra. CAJETAN MMUTA reports

How has the campaign been going so far?

It’s getting more intense as Election Day draws near. People’s expectations are rising; they want to hear directly from us. Many Anambra people now realise that the state needs a new direction. They’re asking tough questions: Do we continue like this, or do we choose a better path? The truth is that Anambra has gone backwards instead of forward.

You mean under Soludo’s administration?

Yes. About 80 per cent of Anambra people will tell you the same thing. It’s not about sentiment but measurable development. If you track the data, you’ll see the downward slide. Development is not theory; it’s something you can measure.

Can you give examples of this decline?

Indeed, let’s start with education. Before this administration, Anambra ranked among the top five states in national performance indices. Today, we’ve dropped to 33rd position out of 36 states and the FCT. In terms of liveability and infrastructure, Anambra used to rank 12th, but we’ve fallen to 34th. These are not my figures; they’re from credible, independent organisations that assess state performance.

Anambra was known for manufacturing and trade. But today, 80 per cent of our university graduates leave the state to seek jobs elsewhere because industries and businesses that once provided employment have collapsed. That’s not progress; that’s decline.

But some reports suggest insecurity has improved under Soludo.

That’s not accurate. I’m quoting independent findings from credible international organisations, not political statements. The Phillips Index Report shows that insecurity, poverty, and unemployment have worsened in Anambra. I didn’t generate those figures; they’re public data.

JAMB recently released results showing Anambra among the top performers. Doesn’t that contradict your position?

Look closely at those results. The high performers are from private schools, not public schools. That means individuals and private organisations are doing the work the government should be doing. Before now, government-owned schools produced the best students, but this administration has abandoned them. Even the missionary schools in rural areas, which previous governments supported, have been left to struggle. These schools serve poor communities. The current government withdrew support, affecting children from less privileged families’ access to education.

So, are you saying Soludo’s government hasn’t met your expectations?

I’m saying the facts on the ground don’t match the promises. Governance is like running a company; your projections and outputs must show growth. If you compare Soludo’s projections to what’s on the ground, he scores less than 30 per cent in performance.

What about his ‘Solution Agenda’ promises during the campaign?

Take my area, for instance, Nnewi South and Nnewi North. There’s not one completed road project by this administration. Not a single square meter of new road. The only thing happening is the dualisation of the main road through Nnewi, which has led to the demolition of houses without compensation. If this government had done well, people like me wouldn’t be talking. But I can tell you I’ve personally built over 15 kilometres of road in my community with my own funds. Before insecurity worsened, I was among the largest employers of labour in Anambra outside the state government.

You sound confident that you can do better. What makes you different?

Experience. I’m not just a politician; I’m a businessman who has created jobs and managed resources successfully. I own investments here, such as the Radisson Hotel and several community-based enterprises. I’m not seeking power for its sake; I’m driven by the burden to fix Anambra.

Why should the people choose you over Soludo, a former CBN Governor?

Because governance is not theory, it’s practical. Many people have impressive academic titles but lack the experience to implement real solutions. Anambra’s economy is built on trade and manufacturing, so we must identify and strengthen the enablers of those sectors. That means fixing security, infrastructure, and power supply. Without these, investors will continue to leave.

You mentioned insecurity. How serious is it, and what’s your plan to address it?

It’s serious. None of the security agencies —police, army, DSS, or civil defence — has received operational support, such as patrol vehicles or equipment, from the state government. Security must not be politicised. You can’t fight insecurity with speeches. You need logistics, motivation, and intelligence coordination. Some of the insecurity in Anambra is linked to unemployment and political frustration. Others are connected to agitation for Nnamdi Kanu’s release. Both issues need honest engagement. I plan to build a community-based security model in which local communities, traditional rulers, and youth groups participate in intelligence gathering and policing. I’ll also ensure that federal agencies get proper support, equipment, vehicles, and allowances to do their jobs effectively.

Governor Soludo insists the Monday ‘sit-at-home’ is over. Do you agree?

Go to Anambra on a Monday. Markets don’t open. Banks don’t open. People still stay home out of fear. The reality on the ground doesn’t match what the governor says. You can’t wish away insecurity with press statements.

So how would you restore normalcy?

First, acknowledge the problem. Then work with stakeholders, communities, business leaders, and security experts to tackle it from the root. People must be educated that the sit-at-home is harming our economy. We also need to open up the economy by tapping into Anambra’s gas deposits and energy potential. I’ve already negotiated with a power plant company willing to partner with the state to build a power station. We’ll issue energy bonds, guaranteed by the state, so citizens can own and pay for the electricity they use. That will make Anambra self-sufficient in power and attract industries.

Do you believe the people trust you enough to hand over the state to you?

Absolutely. Anambra people know me. They know what I’ve done. My record is public, community roads, schools, jobs, and philanthropy. Trust is earned through visible impact, not political promises.

But there have been controversies surrounding your name. How do you respond?

Those controversies are politically motivated. For instance, people circulated videos and false reports claiming I owned a company I don’t own. I’ve never been a director or shareholder in that company. The documents are there. It’s part of the smear tactics common in Nigerian politics. But Anambra people know the truth.

Some claim Soludo enjoys the backing of the Presidency. Do you share that view?

That’s laughable. How can a sitting governor who has managed over ₦500 billion in public funds depend on another party’s support to win an election? President Bola Tinubu is a party man; he built the APC and wants his party to win everywhere. It’s wishful thinking to assume he’ll abandon his own candidate. I respect Soludo, but relying on such propaganda shows weakness, not strength.

How would you rate your chances of winning?

I’m confident. The enthusiasm from our people is overwhelming. My local government tours attract organic crowds — not rented supporters. People yearn for change, and they know I represent it.

If Soludo wins, will you congratulate him?

Of course. I believe in democracy. But I’m optimistic the people will vote for genuine transformation. My prayer is to win so that Anambra can rise again.

Final word to Anambra voters

Our state can’t continue like this. We must secure lives, revive industries, and bring back our youth. Anambra deserves a government that works, not one that excuses failure. I’m ready to lead that change.