The 2025 Anambra gubernatorial race, set for November 8, 2025, has intensified as the Soludo-Ibezim Campaign Organization (SICO) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) issued a strongly worded statement dismissing personal attacks from the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate, Senator Uche Ekwunife.

SICO emphasized that their campaign remains “razor-focused” on Anambra’s future development, refusing to “get into the gutter” with what they called “despicable obscenities” from opponents.

 

The statement, signed by Director General Prof. Solo Osita Chukwulobelu, highlights candidate qualifications as a core election issue, accusing the APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu-Uche Ekwunife ticket of presenting the “worst/fake credentials” in Anambra’s history.

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This comes amid a viral feud where Ekwunife defended her PhD against Soludo’s claims of it being from an unaccredited U.S. university, countering with personal jabs labeling the governor a “smelling professor” and “dirtiest governor in Africa.”

SICO’s response underscores APGA’s confidence in Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Deputy Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim’s track record, backed by over 120 achievements in three debt-free years, while questioning the APC duo’s literacy and moral standing.

 

SICO’s Stance: No Distractions, Focus on Anambra’s Excellence

In the statement, SICO acknowledged the constitutional rights of all parties to campaign but decried “desperation” from APC candidates frustrated by polls favoring Soludo-Ibezim as Anambra’s consensus choice. “Our response is that we will remain razor-focused on the issues about the future of Anambra, and no number of fabricated obscenities can distract us,” Prof. Chukwulobelu wrote.

The campaign vowed not to “dignify” such attacks, positioning APGA as above mudslinging.

 

SICO highlighted Anambra’s legacy of educated leaders—from Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to Prof. Chinua Achebe—and past governors’ qualifications: Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju (PhD), Dr. Chris Ngige (MBBS), Mr. Peter Obi (BSc Philosophy), and Mr. Willie Obiano (BSc, MBA). Governor Soludo, they noted, holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), earning global accolades like the Financial Times’ “best central bank governor” and New African Magazine’s “100 most influential Africans.”

Dr. Ibezim, a medical doctor, complements this with accomplished public service.

 

APGA touted 120+ achievements, including urban renewal in Awka and Onitsha, without borrowing, plus endorsements from stakeholders and a 75% win in a recent bye-election as a “mock” for November.

They promised a “robust plan” for the next four years, urging voters to reject “semi-illiterates” unfit for Anambra’s sophistication.

 

APC Ticket Under Fire: Alleged Fake Degrees and Literacy Doubts

SICO’s sharpest critique targeted the APC’s Ukachukwu-Ekwunife ticket, claiming INEC forms reveal the “worst qualification for office” in state history. For Ukachukwu, they cited a 1986 GCE result with “shameful F9s” in English, Mathematics, and Economics, questioning if GCE exams occur in May/June (typically WAEC) and doubting his “basic literacy and numeracy.”

“Anambra cannot have a governor whose ability to read and write or add and subtract numbers is in doubt,” the statement declared.

 

For Ekwunife, SICO alleged her INEC form lists only a December 1987 GCE (four subjects, insufficient for university) and an undated PhD from an unaccredited U.S. university unrecognized by Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC).

“PhD with no undergraduate programme?” they questioned, calling it a “FAKE certificate from a Fake university.”

Ekwunife’s camp has countered that her PhD from Atlantic International University is accredited by ASIC (2019-2023), with prior degrees from the University of Calabar (BSc) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (MBA). She challenged Soludo to court and verification at UNIZIK and UNICAL.

 

SICO linked this to APGA’s “ethical rebirth,” cracking down on fake native doctors and degrees as “bad influences” on youth, insisting qualifications remain a “legitimate issue.”

 

Ekwunife’s Audio Admission and Smear on First Lady

SICO referenced an audio where Ekwunife allegedly admitted to “fabricating mud” at Soludo and his family for exposing her “fake PhD.”

They condemned her “ignoble attempt” to smear Mrs. Nonye Soludo, a “model of womanhood,” as a “fatal mistake.”

Mrs. Soludo responded, urging Ekwunife to “leave me out” and defend her credentials, denying any Mbadinuju-era involvement.

 

APC’s Defense: Campaign of Fear, Not Facts

Ekwunife’s team called Soludo’s attacks a “campaign of fear,” providing documents for her qualifications and accusing APGA of distracting from insecurity and unfulfilled promises.

Ukachukwu’s bio claims a BSc in Political Science, though the disputed GCE has sparked online trends.

 

Supporters like Orsumenyi Elites have endorsed the ticket, donating vehicles for campaigns.

On X, reactions mix: APGA backers mock Ukachukwu’s “tipper-driving body” and Ekwunife’s “fake PhD,” while APC allies decry smears.

 

Why Qualifications Matter in Anambra’s 2025 Gubernatorial Race

Anambra, Nigeria’s Southeast commercial hub, demands leaders with intellectual rigor amid challenges like insecurity, youth unemployment, and infrastructure gaps. SICO’s focus on credentials ties into APGA’s narrative of “transformation,” contrasting with APC’s alleged “easy virtues.”

Polls show APGA leading, but the feud could sway undecided voters on issues like erosion control and economic diversification—key for Anambra’s future.

 

As campaigns ramp up (ending November 6), analysts warn personal barbs risk eroding trust. “Anambra needs vision, not vitriol,” said a political expert. SICO affirmed: “We are working hard to earn every vote based on value created.”

 

What’s Next in the Anambra 2025 Showdown?

With primaries concluded and nominations closed May 12, 2025, focus shifts to voter mobilization. Will Soludo respond to Ekwunife’s challenges? Can APC clarify credentials? November 8 looms large.