Ex-CBN governor, former rep, actress… the contenders jostling for Anambra guber seat

It’s 24 hours to the November 8 governorship election in Anambra state as major political parties gear up for a fierce contest.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and other political platforms are spearheading the contest.

Here’s a look at the major contenders expected to shape the poll.

Chukwuma Soludo — APGA

The incumbent governor is seeking re-election on the strength of what his administration describes as achievements in economic management and infrastructure delivery.

Soludo is an economist, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and a professor with a first-class degree, master’s, and doctorate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

His highlights of his administration include budgeting reforms, investment drives, and infrastructure projects, which Soludo frames as part of his “changing gears” development agenda.

Supporters point to his technocratic background and international networks as strengths that help attract projects and investors to the state.

Critics, however, fault his government, particularly over the state’s lingering insecurity challenges. While the administration declared significant improvements, sporadic incidents of violence and unrest continue to challenge the government’s assertion that insecurity has been nearly eradicated.

Nicholas Ukachukwu — APC

The APC governorship candidate for the Anambra election has pledged inclusive development across “all 179 communities” of the state.

Ukachukwu began his political career in 1997 when he was elected executive chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). In 1999, he was elected to the house of representatives, representing the AMAC/Bwari federal constituency under the PDP, serving until 2003.

After unsuccessful governorship bids under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) in 2006 and the Hope Democratic Party (HDP) in 2010, he clinched the APC ticket following his victory at the party’s primary in April 2025. He is from Osumenyi, Nnewi south LGA, and holds the traditional title Ikukuoma Ndi Igbo.

His campaign emphasises job creation, industrialisation, security improvement, and a shift from being a “political godfather” to a “father” of the people.

His critics, however, question his political experience, particularly in Anambra, where he has never held public office.

Jude Ezenwafor — PDP

Ezenwafor is the PDP governorship candidate in the contest, and his name was officially submitted by the party to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along with his running mate in May.

He is an Abuja-based real estate developer who emerged unopposed as PDP’s flag-bearer and has described his nomination as “divine” and mandate-driven.

Ezenwafor frames his campaign around the regeneration of the state, inclusive growth, and restoration of hope for Anambra’s citizens. He also pledged to make Anambra a thriving economic hub, promising that he has “a secret” or “magic wand” to turn the state’s fortunes around and make many citizens millionaires during his tenure.

Ezenwafor is not new to Anambra politics. He previously served as senior special assistant to Willie Obiano, a former governor of the state, and held a similar role on political matters under former governor Peter Obi. His political trajectory also includes a stint as state chairman of the LP before joining the PDP.

In July, Ezenwafor was shot by unknown gunmen in Abuja and hospitalised.

George Moghalu — LP

The LP candidate is a former managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and served previously as the national auditor of the APC.

He was nominated by the LP in April 2025 and launched his campaign by promising to restore confidence in governance, accountability, and service delivery.

Moghalu presents his candidacy as a technocratic alternative, emphasising infrastructure development, disciplined public service, and a break from patronage politics.

His candidacy has received strong support from the Obidient Movement, which praised him as a “colossus of integrity, a titan of competence, and a relentless warrior for the voiceless masses”.

His appeal lies partly in his public service credentials and middle-ground positioning between the major parties.

Chioma Ifemeludike — African Action Congress (AAC)

Ifemeludike is the only woman among the major candidates.

The former Nollywood actress, producer, and activist has launched a grassroots campaign targeting youth empowerment, talent hunting, and inclusion of marginalised groups.

She was described by AAC national figures as a “rising star” for Anambra and aims to bring fresh energy and reform-oriented leadership.

She has also protested what she terms discriminatory campaign fees and is positing her race as one of change rather than continuity.

Dismissing claims of inexperience, Ifemeludike, in a recent interview, pointed to her political background: her history as a “female unionist” and her tenure as AAC chairperson.

Paul Chukwuma — Young Progressives Party (YPP)

The YPP governorship candidate for the Anambra election is a businessman-entrepreneur turned politician from Ihiala.

He emerged as a YPP candidate after leaving the APC aspirant race. Chukwuma has pledged to focus on insecurity, business revival and tax relief for MSMEs.

As the pro-chancellor of Olivia University in Burundi, Chukwuma brings academic leadership experience to his political pursuits.

He pledged to address insecurity decisively within the first six months of his administration, stating that peace is the bedrock of sustainable development. His economic agenda includes enhancing local business development, creating meaningful employment opportunities, and attracting investment to the state.

Chukwuma presents himself as a pragmatic alternative candidate bridging private-sector experience and public service ambitions.

Chuma Nwosu — African Democratic Congress (ADC)

The ADC governorship candidate for the poll has been touring the state, promising a one-term governance mandate alongside job creation and anti-corruption commitments.

Nwosu’s campaign is grassroots-focused, engaging communities, markets, and villages directly with a message centred on transparency, inclusion, and results-oriented leadership.
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He has vowed to restore security, introduce e-governance, and revive Anambra’s economy if elected

He has also been very vocal against vote-buying and voter apathy, believing that a change is possible if the electorate rejects corrupt practices.

His candidacy is seen as a hopeful departure from “business-as-usual” politics, aiming to reposition Anambra state towards strategic growth and responsive governance.​

THE BATTLE AHEAD

As the battle lines are drawn for the November 8 election, the stakes could not be higher for Anambra. The outcome will determine whether the incumbent, Soludo, consolidates his progress or faces a legitimate challenge to his mandate.

With voters’ trust at a low, the election’s credibility hinges on INEC’s ability to deliver a transparent, peaceful process amidst fears of vote-buying, intimidation, and logistical hurdles.​

A victory for Soludo promises the continuation of a reformist agenda, but the real question is whether voters will rally behind him based on the achievements his administration claimed to have made.

Conversely, a win for opposition candidates — whether from PDP, LP, ADC, or YPP — could rewrite the political landscape, unleashing new dynamics in regional and national politics.

Ultimately, this election is a referendum on leadership and governance in one of Nigeria’s most economically promising yet politically volatile states.

The results will not only shape the next four years of development but also serve as a litmus test for the 2027 general election.