Soludo, Ukachukwu, Ezenwafor, Moghalu in fierce battle for Awka Government House
The political temperature in Anambra State has reached boiling point as over two million registered voters file out today to elect a new governor in one of Nigeria’s most anticipated off-season elections.
With political bigwigs trading final blows and party loyalists mounting last-minute campaigns, the stage is set for a fierce four-horse race involving incumbent Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Jude Ezenwafor (PDP), and George Moghalu (LP) — each determined to claim the keys to the Government House, Awka.
Anambra stands out among Nigeria’s eight off-cycle states — alongside Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo, Osun, Ondo, Edo, and Ekiti — conducting elections outside the general electoral calendar.
This political peculiarity dates back to 2003 when a landmark Court of Appeal judgment in Enugu nullified the victory of PDP’s Chris Ngige and installed Peter Obi of APGA, reshaping the state’s democratic timeline forever.
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured that all is set for a free, fair, and credible exercise.
According to him, 24,000 ad-hoc and permanent staff have been deployed across 5,718 polling units statewide, with two polling units exempted due to the absence of registered voters.
> “INEC is fully prepared. Materials have been distributed, personnel are on ground, and security agencies are in full coordination to ensure a smooth process,” Amupitan said during a pre-election briefing in Awka on Friday night.
The Contenders
A total of 16 candidates are on the ballot, representing a broad spectrum of Nigeria’s political parties:
Onyeeze Chidi – A
Nweke Ezechukwu Japhet – AA
Ifemeludike Chioma Grace – AAC
Nwosu Chima John – ADC
Ukachukwu Nicholas – APC
Soludo Charles – APGA (Incumbent)
Otti Cyprian Echezona – APM
Nweke Christopher Chukwudubem – APP
Okeke Chika Jerry – BP
Moghalu George – LP
Onyejgbu Geoffrey – NNPP
Ndidi Christy Olieh – NRM
Ezenwafor Jude – PDP
Chukwurah Vincent – SDP
Chukwuma Paul Chukwuka – YPP
Ugwoji Uchenna – ZLP
While Soludo banks on his APGA base and governance record, APC’s Ukachukwu rides on federal influence, PDP’s Ezenwafor eyes a comeback, and Labour Party’s Moghalu hopes to tap into the Obidient momentum still alive in the South-East.
From Onitsha’s bustling streets to the quiet communities of Ihiala, anticipation fills the air. Market women, artisans, students, and civil servants are eager to cast their votes, despite concerns over security and logistics.
Security operatives, including police, civil defence, and the military, have been stationed across the state, as authorities vow to prevent electoral violence and vote-buying.
Political observers say the election will test INEC’s credibility, voter enthusiasm, and the strength of Anambra’s democracy in a period marked by voter apathy and economic frustration.
Follow the Results Live
Stay with Pioneer News for live updates, verified results, and in-depth analysis as ballots are counted across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State.
Who will emerge victorious — Soludo the scholar, Ukachukwu the businessman, Ezenwafor the strategist, or Moghalu the reformer?
The people of Anambra decide today.
PIONEER NEWS 