The Return of Charles Soludo as Governor of Anambra State
Mr. Charles Soludo has been re-elected as the governor of Anambra State, securing a second term in a historic victory that saw him win all 21 local government areas of the state—only the second time such a clean sweep has occurred in Anambra’s history. This achievement marks a significant moment in the state’s political landscape, highlighting Mr. Soludo’s strong support base and strategic campaign efforts.
In the recent election, Mr. Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) received 422,664 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 99,445 votes. The Young Progressives Party candidate, Paul Chukwuma, came third with 37,753 votes, while George Moghalu from the Labour Party secured the fourth position with 10,576 votes.
The factors contributing to Mr. Soludo’s victory are multifaceted, ranging from his incumbency advantage to the widespread goodwill he enjoys among voters.
Incumbency Advantage
Incumbency remains one of the most powerful forces in Nigerian politics, and Mr. Soludo effectively leveraged this advantage. As the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, he approached the election with the full support of the government machinery. His control over political structures across Anambra’s 21 local government areas and 326 wards gave him a decisive edge. The ability to mobilize resources, deploy appointees, and influence local dynamics worked in his favor.
Additionally, Mr. Soludo’s visibility as a serving governor helped him deliver on promises and project his achievements. Unlike in 2021, when he faced a crowded and tense race, he encountered minimal internal opposition this time. He emerged unopposed in the APGA primary election, allowing him to focus on the general election with a clear message of continuity.
First-Term Projects
Mr. Soludo’s performance during his first term played a crucial role in his re-election. Analysts believe his visible achievements across key sectors earned him genuine goodwill from voters, especially in rural communities.
One of his initiatives was the launch of the Agunechemba Vigilante in January 2025, which assisted security agencies in combating violent crimes and separatist-linked attacks. Although controversial at first, this move helped restore calm in previously volatile areas such as Ihiala, Nnewi South, and parts of Aguata.
In infrastructure, Mr. Soludo oversaw the construction or rehabilitation of numerous roads, including the Ekwulobia Flyover, which is nearing completion. His administration’s focus on connecting rural towns to commercial hubs resonated strongly with voters in the hinterland, where poor roads had long hindered economic activity.
His free education policy for public school pupils and free antenatal and delivery care in state hospitals further endeared him to low-income families. These policies aligned with his “Solution Agenda,” aimed at reducing inequality and expanding access to social services.
APGA’s Dominance
For over a decade, APGA has maintained a formidable presence in Anambra politics, branding itself as the “homegrown” party of the state. The party has built deep institutional roots since Peter Obi’s landmark victory under its banner in 2006.
APGA’s structure spans 21 LGAs and 326 wards, anchored by a vast network of ward captains, traditional rulers, community leaders, and local appointees. This grassroots penetration gives APGA unmatched reach in voter mobilization, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where elections are often decided.
Mr. Soludo’s campaign also benefited from the “Solution Marshals,” a newly created corps of community-based voter coordinators tasked with neighborhood mobilization and real-time polling coordination. This initiative combined technology with face-to-face persuasion, enhancing turnout in APGA strongholds and blunting the opposition’s gains in urban areas like Onitsha and Awka.
Political Alignment with Tinubu
Although they belong to different parties, Mr. Soludo’s growing rapport with President Bola Tinubu added a subtle but powerful layer to his political calculation. While the president did not publicly endorse him, their relationship has been mutually beneficial.
Mr. Soludo’s membership in Mr. Tinubu’s Presidential Economic Advisory Team, to which he was appointed in March 2024, gave him proximity to federal power and access to the national conversation. In August, Mr. Soludo visited Mr. Tinubu wearing a cap emblazoned with the symbol associated with the president, drawing attention and speculation about a budding alliance between the two men.
Even before then, Mr. Soludo consistently praised the president’s economic reforms and expressed support for his re-election bid—a move interpreted as strategic positioning for federal cooperation.
Elite Endorsement
Politics in Anambra has always been intertwined with commerce. The state, home to some of Nigeria’s most successful entrepreneurs, is shaped by the influence of a moneyed lifestyle and the elite class.
During the campaign, prominent businessmen, industrialists, and politicians threw their weight behind Mr. Soludo. Their support may have provided financial muscle and social legitimacy, thereby amplifying APGA’s outreach.
Foremost among these figures was Arthur Eze, the billionaire oil magnate and philanthropist, who publicly endorsed Mr. Soludo’s reelection. Mr. Eze’s backing was significant for the resources it unlocked and the message it sent to other influential actors within Anambra’s tight-knit business community.
Widespread Goodwill
Another important factor in Mr. Soludo’s favor in Saturday’s poll was the widespread goodwill he enjoys from the people of Anambra State. PREMIUM TIMES reporters observed that the goodwill spread across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The admiration for him was palpable from one polling unit to another, including those outside Mr. Soludo’s local government area and senatorial district. Little wonder the governor won in all the 21 local government areas of the state.
Zoning Arrangement
Mr. Soludo’s victory was partly tied to the zoning arrangement in Anambra State, which favored the Anambra South District, where he hails from. A loss for the governor at the polls would have disrupted the arrangement in different ways.
After Mr. Soludo’s second term, power will automatically shift to another district. The people of Anambra appear to have factored this in their decision, ensuring the continuation of the zoning arrangement.