“Okonkwo Vows to Overthrow Soludo in Anambra: ‘I’m the Candidate to Beat!’”
Ahead of the November governorship election in Anambra, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and aspirant for the party’s ticket, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, has boldly declared himself the candidate to beat in the off-season race.
Okonkwo made the declaration on Wednesday after receiving the APC Nomination and Expression of Interest forms from the Anambra Coalition for Progressive Change. The forum, led by Chief Cyril Ndubuisi Ezeani, had purchased the forms at the party’s national secretariat.
During the ceremony, Okonkwo expressed his gratitude, calling the gesture a powerful affirmation of their confidence in his ability to lead the state. “You have just presented to me a great gift of N50 million,” he said with a smile. “I wasn’t expecting this, but knowing that I am not in this race alone, it’s reassuring. People are ready for a change in Anambra, particularly regarding the issue of insecurity.”
He further praised the coalition for their commitment, noting, “You are beside me. What you’ve done today shows you are ready to match your words with action. I thank you. May God replenish you.”
Okonkwo, however, didn’t shy away from addressing challenges. He alleged that a plot was being orchestrated to prevent him from securing the APC ticket. “I know the huge sums being spent to stop me,” he claimed, pointing fingers at the incumbent governor, Professor Charles Soludo. “Soludo knows he can’t compete with me on election day.”
The aspirant also called on traditional and religious leaders to join the cause, emphasizing that while the ticket may not be guaranteed, with it, he would secure a landslide victory for APC.
Okonkwo underscored his political experience, pointing to his leadership in the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and his pivotal role in the campaigns that led to Dr. Chris Ngige’s election as senator, as well as the success of several APC House of Assembly candidates in Anambra.
“I am back to produce the first APC governor in Anambra,” Okonkwo said, referencing APC’s strong showing in the last general elections, where Bola Tinubu topped the vote in Ndemili North and South.
He also expressed confidence in securing the votes across the state: “We have already won seven local councils, and we will partner with Anambra South and North to deliver Anambra for APC.” Okonkwo’s message is clear: he’s ready to fight, and he believes victory is within reach.
