….As Former Women Leader Soludo Support Group, Theresa Okoye, others declare support for APC guber candidate Prince Dr Nicholas Ukachukwu
By Tony Ezike
The All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign train for the Anambra 2025 gubernatorial election continued its statewide tour with a vibrant rally at Umueze Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area on Wednesday. The rally witnessed a massive turnout of party supporters, stakeholders, and political heavyweights, many of whom used the platform to drum up support for the APC governorship candidate, Prince Dr Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife.
In a bold move that generated ripples within the political landscape, Prince Ukachukwu, popularly known as Ikukuoma Ndigbo, challenged the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to publish his personal account details prior to his assumption of office and compare them with his current financial status. Ukachukwu, while addressing the crowd, declared:
“If you had even 10% of what you currently have before becoming governor, I will resign from the governorship race.”
He stressed that such transparency was necessary to prove integrity, arguing that Soludo’s previous income as a university lecturer could not have justified his current wealth.
In her passionate address, former Women Leader of the Soludo Support Group and leader of Ohanaeze Umu Nwanyi, Mrs Theresa Okoye, officially defected from APGA to APC.
“We’re all going to APC. All the efforts we made for APGA will now be channeled to APC. I told APGA to continue while I move to a place of rest with APC. All the women of Anambra State are coming with me,” she declared to loud cheers.
Welcoming her, APC State Chairman Hon. Basil Ejidike described the defection as a major boost for the party, promising that APC would change the narrative of governance in Anambra West.
Also speaking, former House of Representatives member for Anambra East and West, Hon. Emma Madubueze, extolled the achievements of Ukachukwu from his days as Abuja Municipal Chairman to his time in the National Assembly.
“We tried APGA enough, yet as a people, we made no meaningful progress. This is the time to take our destiny in our own hands with the Ikukuoma-Iyom joint ticket. That’s our ticket to the promised land,” he said.
Senator Uche Ekwunife called on Anambra residents to embrace change, pointing out that people should not remain loyal to a party that has failed to reward or uplift them.
“I’ve known Ikukuoma for over 30 years. He is God-fearing, empathetic, and highly marketable. We’re not just introducing you to the incoming governor, we are confirming it today,” she noted.
She further stated that APGA had remained a one-state party with no visible expansion and accused the party of political insincerity.
“They once launched a group called ‘Join Jonathan Journey (JJJ)’ to support President Jonathan, but immediately abandoned him after his loss and turned to Buhari. They’re known for political window dressing,” Ekwunife said.
Prince Ukachukwu unveiled key policy promises for Anambra West, including:
Declaration of a State of Emergency on the road leading to the area.
Farming initiative covering 10,000 hectares, with free distribution of seedlings.
Revitalization of healthcare and educational facilities in all communities.
Access to federal solar energy projects, with at least one to be sited in Anambra West.
Leveraging the gas deposits in the region to combat persistent darkness and poverty.
He concluded by inaugurating the APC Ward Campaign Council, made up of party executives, support group leaders, and stakeholders, charging them to unite for victory.
Notable dignitaries at the event included:
Hon. Emma Madubueze (former House of Reps member)
Hon. Emma Egwemi (APC Chairman, Anambra West)
Chief Dozie Ikedife (APC Southeast Zonal Organizing Secretary)
Hon. Basil Ejidike (APC State Chairman)
Dr. Obinna Uzoh (APC Deputy Chairman)
Hon. Mrs Njideka Oraedum (I-WIN Convener)
Dr. Mrs Kene Chiedu and many others.
The highlight of the rally was the official inauguration of the APC Ward Campaign Council by Prince Dr Nicholas Ukachukwu, further solidifying the party’s grassroots mobilization in Anambra West.
