By Ovat Abeng
The All Progressives Congress (APC)’s candidate for the upcoming November 8, 2025 Anambra state governorship election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has faulted the statement credited to the incumbent governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo of the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, that those contesting the race with him are only doing so to raise funds to boost their personal pockets.
Ukachukwu described the statement as undemocratic, urging Anambra electorate not to take it serious, noting that he is contesting the election to develop and better the lives of the people and not for fundraising sake as clamed by the governor.
Recall that governor Soludo, while speaking during an endorsement rally organized for him in Awka by stakeholders of Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, recently, insisted that most of those in the race against him were only in it to scout for funds to line their personal pockets.
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Soludo stated expressly during the rally that Anambra enjoys an unbroken zoning formula, and that he would hand over to a candidate from Central Zone after eight years. He added that anyone opposed to his second term will just be disrupting the seamless zoning in the state, and delaying the turn of the Central Zone to take the governorship seat.
Reacting further on the contest during a press conference in Awka on Wednesday, the APC candidate, Prince Ukachuwu pledged to restore a spirit of inclusivity and collective responsibility to drive the state’s development.
Ukachukwu stated that a functional and prosperous system thrives on shared responsibility rather than the ambitions of a single individual.
He cited the examples of Dubai and Taiwan, noting that security and power are foundational to their economic success and anambra State needs them to operate .
“Anambra State cannot progress without security, power, and effective empowerment of its citizens,” Ukachukwu said.
He called for genuine consultation with Ndi Anambra to develop a clear and inclusive path forward, highlighting that the current lack of inclusivity is a major obstacle to the state’s growth.
He assured to run his government on shared responsibilities if elected.
Clarifying his intentions, Ukachukwu stated that his critique of the government is not personal but aimed at fostering constructive dialogue for the betterment of Anambra.
“I consider the incumbent governor a friend and brother. My aim is to address critical issues that will drive our state’s development that is lacking ,not to engage in petty criticisms like him,” he said.
He expressed surprise at the governor’s public accusation that his opponents are merely fundraising to support their businesses.
Ukachukwu said that donors contribute out of trust and confidence in their leadership, contrasting this with the current government’s use of public funds to pursue individual ambitions and its poor record in community engagement.
Reiterating his commitment to collective leadership, Ukachukwu condemned the “one-man” governance style exemplified by the present administration under Governor Soludo.
According to him, most of the actions taken by the current government serve the governor’s interests rather than the people’s needs.
He criticized the governor for celebrating the new government house instead of focusing on urgent public issues, such as the state’s health services, like quality health service,the heart and spinal cord operations and improved functional education system.
“Government house is meant not for public use, it is just for the governor and his family. Many Ndi Anambra may not even have access to the new government house in their entire lives”
“Anambra needs leaders who have a genuine stake in the state’s future, not passive figures who govern without leaving meaningful impacts,” he added.
Ukachukwu pointed out that many leaders lacked a personal investment in Anambra, governing only transiently before retreating to their private interests.
“It’s time to restore Anambra Glory and as a child of circumstances, seasons, and time,” he declared that he is pledging to revive what he described as the “missing spirit” in the state’s leadership.
The APC candidate lamented that those truly knowledgeable about Anambra and eager to fix the state are often denied the opportunity to do so.
“Security must be our top priority. Without it, businesses will fail and investors will flee,” “I built 12 industries in Anambra State, but none are operational because expatriates refuse to come due to insecurity in the state”he said.
Ukachukwu underscored his unique position as one of the state’s largest investor, stating, “No one else has as much investment in Anambra as I do and would not want the state to succeed.”
He called for creating an enabling environment, including security, reliable power supply, and infrastructure, all essential to attracting and sustaining investments.
Regrettably, Ukachukwu noted, the current administration appears to prioritize empty celebrations over addressing the fundamental needs of ordinary citizens.
“Instead of improving critical services that impact everyday lives, they are celebrating achievements that do not benefit the common man,” he stated.
