As the November 8, 2025 Anambra gubernatorial election approaches, a scathing critique from an Anambra citizen has reignited debate over Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s leadership, challenging the value of his academic credentials and accusing him of displaying an “educated illiterate” mentality.

In a viral post circulating on social media, the unnamed citizen questioned, “What has his so-called literacy offered so far since his inception in Anambra state?” The statement criticizes Soludo for name-calling opponents, particularly in the ongoing feud with APC Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate Senator Uche Ekwunife, and argues that true literacy encompasses moral character and societal impact, not just academic degrees.

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This latest salvo follows a heated exchange where Ekwunife branded Soludo an “illiterate professor” and “dirtiest governor in Africa,” while the Soludo-Ibezim Campaign Organization (SICO) accused the APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu-Ekwunife ticket of presenting “fake credentials.” The citizen’s critique, echoing sentiments like those of commentator Chukwuma Linus, adds fuel to a polarized campaign, raising questions about Soludo’s governance and the tone of Anambra’s political discourse.

Citizen’s Critique: Soludo’s Literacy Questioned

The citizen’s post delivers a pointed rebuke: “Nonsense! What has his so-called literacy offered so far since his inception in Anambra state? Calling your fellow brother names is just a great sign of showing your low level of mentality and it’s got nothing to do with the degree you’ve acquired so far in life, it shows how self-centered you are amongst your people by trying to prove you are more educated or literate.” The statement challenges Soludo’s reliance on his academic pedigree—BSc, MSc, and PhD in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, plus global accolades like the Financial Times’ “best central bank governor”—to assert superiority over opponents.

The citizen defines true literacy as “your mentality towards your people, environment, and the society at large,” encompassing morals, wisdom, and understanding. They argue that Soludo’s alleged name-calling, particularly targeting Ekwunife’s credentials, reflects a “lack of home training” and “educated illiteracy.” The post emphasizes that leadership requires “quality characters” to serve society, stating, “Failure to do so means you don’t have quality characters to serve your people and the society at large and such is regarded as illiteracy.”

While the citizen claims neutrality—“I don’t know what he has done to you and I don’t care to know”—their call for Soludo to respond “maturely within the standard you claim to belong as literate” resonates with critics questioning his governance amid rising insecurity and economic challenges.

The critique’s focus on moral character and societal impact could resonate with voters frustrated by insecurity and economic issues, but its anonymity and lack of specific policy critiques may limit its weight.

Anambra, a Southeast commercial hub, faces critical challenges: youth unemployment, infrastructure decay, and rising insecurity. The citizen’s call for Soludo to demonstrate “quality characters” through mature leadership echoes demands for solutions over rhetoric. While APGA emphasizes transformation, critics like the citizen, Ekwunife, and Linus question whether Soludo’s “literacy” translates to effective governance. The escalating personal attacks threaten to erode voter trust, with analysts urging, “Anambra needs policy-driven campaigns, not insults.”