Anambra Election: Stakeholders Buy N50m Forms for Obiora

The race for the Anambra 2025 governorship election is heating up as the Anambra Coalition for Progressive Change, a group comprising lecturers, traders, activists, and professionals, has thrown its weight behind aviation mogul and APC stalwart, Prof Obiora Okonkwo.  

On Wednesday, the coalition made a bold statement by purchasing the N50 million Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for Okonkwo at the APC national secretariat in Abuja. The move signals strong grassroots support for Okonkwo’s ambition to unseat Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the November 8, 2025, election.  

Speaking to journalists after the presentation, the coalition’s leader, Chief Cyril Ezeani, described Okonkwo as the best candidate to lead Anambra. He criticized Soludo’s administration, accusing it of failing to provide security and economic progress.  

“Anambra is being ruled by people who don’t have business in governance,” Ezeani said. “Soludo has not given us what we want. He has also not provided security for the Anambra people. This is why we feel Prof Okonkwo is the right person to occupy the position of governor.”  

He emphasized that Okonkwo is not a typical politician who views governance as a cash cow, highlighting his long-standing ties with the APC and the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).  

Dr. Christy Frederick, a senior lecturer at Veritas University, also expressed confidence in Okonkwo’s leadership potential. She noted that his experience and business acumen make him the ideal candidate to tackle Anambra’s economic and security challenges.  

“When you want to solve a problem, you must first diagnose it. We believe Prof Okonkwo understands Anambra’s problems and has the technical know-how to provide solutions,” she said.  

In his response, Okonkwo expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, describing the N50 million gesture as a major morale booster. He pledged to work tirelessly to justify the trust placed in him. 

“There are still many people who know that what is happening in Anambra today is not the way to go,” Okonkwo said. “With this ticket in my hand, I will secure a landslide victory for the APC.”  

He further assured supporters that his stronghold in the Anambra Central Senatorial District, particularly in Idemili North, would play a decisive role in the election, promising victory in at least 15 of the state’s 21 local government areas.  

With the APC primary drawing closer, Okonkwo’s entry into the race sets the stage for a fierce contest. Will he emerge as the party’s flagbearer? Time will tell.