Mammoth Crowd Storms Ekwulobia as Anambra South Holds Endorsement Mega Rally for Soludo

By Ukpa Ewa

It was a beehive of activities at the Ekwulobia Township Stadium as mammoth crowd of supporters turned out in support of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo at the Anambra South Endorsement Mega Rally and Senatorial Campaign Flag-off.

The event, which drew stakeholders from across Anambra South Senatorial Zone, saw the unanimous endorsement of Governor Soludo for a second term ahead of the November 8, 2025, gubernatorial election and also flagged off the campaign for the August 16, 2025, Anambra South senatorial bye-election.

Speaking at the rally, Governor Soludo thanked the people for the massive turnout and the chieftaincy title, Olu Atu Egwu, conferred on him. He clarified that he did not contribute financially to the rally, emphasizing it was fully organized and funded by the people. He appreciated traditional rulers for their support and noted that the Ekwulobia Township Stadium would soon be completed and commissioned.

While addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Soludo affirmed that his administration had not officially begun its re-election campaign, yet the people had already taken ownership of the movement, contributing their own resources to drive it forward.

“We are not campaigning yet, but the people have taken over already. This is their project,” he said, flanked by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim and other party stakeholders.

He further urged the electorate to resist politicians who distribute money to influence votes, insisting that such practices undermine democracy. He noted that the event was officially a flag-off for the APGA senatorial candidate, Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu, whom he described as a capable and grassroots-oriented leader.

“Come August 16, we will win by a landslide. APGA made a mistake six years ago by presenting an unpopular candidate, but this time we are correcting it,” Soludo stated, assuring that there would be synergy between his administration and the incoming senator.

The Governor reiterated that Anambra State operates a zoning arrangement in governance. He declared that after his second term, the governorship seat would return to Anambra Central. He warned those from Anambra South who plan to contest the 2025 governorship election to desist, labeling such moves as attempts to destabilize the zoning formula.

He also used the platform to highlight his administration’s achievements, including a significant drop in mortality rates across the state, employment of over 8,115 teachers, distribution of more than 2.6 million seedlings to households, planned bursaries for students, ongoing support schemes for petty traders.

On security, Gov. Soludo noted that Anambra remains one of the safest states in Nigeria while offering an active amnesty program aimed at rehabilitating or neutralizing criminal elements.

The rally witnessed the presentation of a symbolic cheque of ₦100 million by Anambra South stakeholders in support of Soludo’s re-election bid.

Reading a communique on behalf of the Anambra South political stakeholders, APGA Caucus Leader in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Paschal Agbodike, officially endorsed Soludo for a second term. He described the governor as a visionary leader whose policies and reforms have repositioned Anambra on the path of sustainable growth and development.

Agbodike also declared support for Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu, APGA’s senatorial candidate for the upcoming bye-election, expressing confidence in his capacity to provide quality representation.

The stakeholders called for unity, grassroots mobilization and a rejection of divisive politics to ensure APGA’s victory in both the senatorial and governorship polls.

Also speaking, Chief of Staff to the Governor and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, commended the governor for his transformative strides in infrastructure, education, human capital development, security and value reorientation. He pledged continued support from the Anambra State Executive Council.

On behalf of the mayors of the seven local government areas in Anambra South, Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, Mayor of Aguata, welcomed the governor and endorsed his second term bid, affirming that the zone had witnessed significant development under his leadership.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including former Governor Dame Virgy Etiaba, APGA National Chairman Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, Head of Service Barr. Theodore Igwegbe (MNI), the Managing Director Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO) Mr. Chuka Nnabuife and several commissioners and top government functionaries. Traditional rulers and representatives from women, youth, and religious institutions were also present.