‘It was a skit’ — Soludo denies consulting native doctor over re-election bid

Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, has denied consulting a native doctor over his re-election bid.

A video that surfaced online on Tuesday purportedly shows the governor engaging with a traditional doctor.

In the clip, the alleged native doctor is seen making incantations on the floor while the governor watches with apparent delight.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, Christian Aburime, chief press secretary (CPS) to the governor, described the video and publications as “false and maliciously fabricated”.

Aburime said the footage was a comic skit taken during Soludo’s recent official engagement with Anambra-based content creators.

He noted that the event was organised by Ejimofor Opara, Soludo’s senior special assistant on new media, as part of efforts to promote Anambra’s creative economy.

“During the interactive session, content creators were encouraged to present their talents and discuss the challenges facing the industry,” the statement reads.

“One of the attendees performed a comedic skit involving a native doctor character — a common trope in Nigerian online comedy.”

Aburime said the governor was confident of his re-election based on his performance and the ongoing implementation of projects.

He noted that the governor recently inaugurated Solution Fun City, which shows his administration’s commitment to empowering the entertainment and tourism sectors.

Aburime urged Anambra residents, media outlets, and social media users to disregard the misleading narrative.

“This was purely an entertainment performance and not an actual consultation. The claim that Gov. Soludo sought the services of a native doctor is entirely false,” Aburime said.

“It is disheartening that political opponents would distort an innocent artistic presentation to mislead the public.

“Gov. Soludo remains focused on building a liveable and prosperous Anambra and will not be distracted by politically motivated falsehoods.”