November 8: Top 10 Leading Candidates For Anambra Governorship Election

November 8: Top 10 Leading Candidates For Anambra Governorship Election

As Anambra State residents prepare to vote across 5,718 polling units in the November 8 governorship election, the stage is set for a new democratic chapter. With over 2.8 million registered voters, the election will determine who succeeds Governor Chukwuma Soludo, whose tenure ends in March 2026.

Out of the 16 candidates cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), these 10 top contenders have drawn the most attention:

1. Charles Chukwuma Soludo (APGA)

Party: All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
Background: Born July 28, 1960, in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Education: First-class degree, MSc, and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Career: A globally recognized economist, Soludo served as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (2004–2009), where he spearheaded the historic bank consolidation reform that reduced Nigeria’s commercial banks from 89 to 25.
Political Experience: Former Chief Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo and current Governor of Anambra State since 2021.
Key Agenda: Continuation of his “Solution Agenda” focused on infrastructure renewal, education reform, urban renewal, youth employment, and digital economy development.

2. Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC)

Party: All Progressives Congress (APC)
Background: Hails from Osumenyi in Nnewi South LGA.
Education: Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Career: A successful businessman and real estate investor, Ukachukwu is the founder and chairman of SNECOU Group, a conglomerate with interests in construction, oil and gas, and property development.
Political Experience: Former member of the House of Representatives and one-time Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
Key Agenda: Prioritizes economic growth through public-private partnerships, rural development, women empowerment, and youth entrepreneurship initiatives.

3. Nnadubem Moghalu (Labour Party)

Party: Labour Party (LP)
Background: From Nnewi North LGA.
Education: Studied at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with professional training in management and development administration.
Career: Former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and former Director-General of the Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development in Anambra State.
Political Experience: Known for his technocratic approach and grassroots development advocacy.
Key Agenda: Focused on industrializing Anambra through agro-processing, small business financing, and transparent governance.

4. Jude Ezenwafor (PDP)

Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Background: Real estate investor and political strategist from Awka South LGA.
Education: Holds degrees in Business and Public Administration.
Career: Engaged in real estate, logistics, and consultancy; has advised several trade associations in the South-East.
Political Experience: Former aide to ex-Governor Peter Obi and served in several PDP campaign councils.
Key Agenda: Plans to promote peace and security, education access, and job creation through local content policy.

5. Geoffrey Onyejegbu (NNPP)

Party: New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)
Background: Retired Colonel from the Nigerian Army, known for his discipline and leadership experience.
Education: Military and management training in Nigeria and overseas.
Career: Served in various command and administrative roles in the Nigerian Army before retirement.
Political Experience: Previously sought the APC governorship ticket in 2021 before moving to NNPP.
Key Agenda: Advocates a “Security First Blueprint” focused on dismantling bandit networks, supporting veterans, and rebuilding rural communities.

6. Chuma Nwosu (ADC)

Party: African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Background: From Nnewichi, Nnewi North LGA.
Education: Studied Economics and Information Technology at the University of Lagos.
Career: Founder and CEO of Jetlink Group Ltd, an ICT and engineering company.
Political Experience: Long-time advocate of digital transformation and youth inclusion in politics.
Key Agenda: Promises to transform Anambra into a tech hub by investing in innovation centers, renewable energy, and smart city infrastructure.

7. Paul Chukwuma (YPP)

Party: Young Progressives Party (YPP)
Background: Born February 27, 1978, in Anambra East LGA.
Education: Holds first-class degrees in Philosophy and Law from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Career: Entrepreneur and founder of several firms in ICT, education, and real estate sectors.
Political Experience: Former National Organizing Secretary of the YPP and youth empowerment advocate.
Key Agenda: Focused on providing free primary education, youth empowerment, and modern agricultural reforms.

8. Vincent Chukwurah (SDP)

Party: Social Democratic Party (SDP)
Background: Born in 1954 in Onitsha North LGA.
Education: Studied Political Science and Sociology.
Career: Veteran politician, social worker, and community mobilizer.
Political Experience: Contested for the House of Representatives seat in 2023 under SDP; known for his focus on social equity and workers’ welfare.
Key Agenda: Seeks to expand social safety nets, improve health services, and revitalize public schools.

9. Chioma Ifemeludike (AAC)

Party: African Action Congress (AAC)
Background: Political scientist, social commentator, and activist.
Education: Studied Political Science at the University of Lagos.
Career: Actress, civil rights advocate, and founder of the Youth for Change Initiative.
Political Experience: Known for bold activism and gender inclusion advocacy; first-time gubernatorial candidate.
Key Agenda: Promotes anti-corruption reforms, youth leadership, gender balance, and renewable energy adoption.

10. Ndidi Olieh (NRM)

Party: National Rescue Movement (NRM)
Background: From Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State.
Education: Holds a B.Sc. from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Career: Business development consultant and public policy enthusiast.
Political Experience: State spokesperson for NRM; active in civic engagement and social justice advocacy.
Key Agenda: Focuses on improving public infrastructure, job creation through SMEs, and better governance accountability.

Summary

The 2025 Anambra Governorship Election represents a diverse mix of experienced politicians, technocrats, and young reformists. With key issues such as security, infrastructure, education, and economic empowerment at the center of public debate, voters are expected to weigh experience against innovation when they head to the polls.

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