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UKACHUKWU WINS APC GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARY IN ANAMBRA

Nicholas Ukachukwu has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Anambra State, following a landslide victory in the party’s primary election held on Saturday. Ukachukwu secured 1,455 votes, while his closest rival, Valentine Ozigbo, trailed with 67 votes. This decisive win sets the stage for a competitive gubernatorial election in November 2025, where Ukachukwu will face off against incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who has secured the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) nomination for re-election. “We shall deliver Anambra to the APC,” Ukachukwu declared boldly after clinching the ticket. He also revealed his long-standing influence in Anambra politics, stating, “No one has ever won the governorship of Anambra without my support—it has never happened. I’ve been playing godfatherism, but now I want to be the father of the father, no more godfather.” The outcome of this primary has sent a clear message: Ukachukwu is determined to convert his influence into the top seat of power in Awka. However, Governor Soludo’s intentions to hold his ground and potentially rewrite the script remain to be seen.

GOVERNOR CHUKWUMA SOLUDO EMERGES APGA CANDIDATE FOR 2025 ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION AFTER UNOPPOSED PRIMARY VICTORY

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has been declared the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election following a primary held on Saturday at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka. Soludo, the sole aspirant, secured the party’s nomination after polling 3,168 “yes” votes from 3,172 valid votes cast by accredited delegates. Chief Returning Officer Uche Nwegbo announced the results, stating that 3,175 delegates were accredited out of 3,260 registered, with four votes invalidated. “In line with INEC guidelines, I hereby declare Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as the duly elected candidate of APGA for the 2025 governorship election,” Nwegbo said. In his acceptance speech, Soludo described the unanimous support as a “historic show of solidarity,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to Anambra’s development. “Anambra is APGA and APGA is Anambra. We are just getting started—Anambra has not seen anything yet,” he declared. The governor highlighted his first-term achievements, emphasizing that his administration executed projects without borrowing funds and vowed to expand developmental strides in a second term. Soludo also confirmed the re-nomination of Dr. Onyeka Ibezim as his deputy governor, stating, “If it’s not broken, why mend it?” He thanked supporters, party members, INEC observers, and donors, particularly acknowledging contributions from market women and grassroots groups. “This victory is a collective effort, and we will continue working tirelessly for the people,” he concluded.

SOLUDO’S SECURITY INITIATIVE GETS BOOST AS PEACE AND MEDIA ADVOCACY OFFERS SUPPORT

A pan-Nigeria security organization, Peace and Media Advocacy, has thrown its weight behind the security initiative of Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo. The group commended Soludo for signing the Homeland Security Law, which has reportedly energized security operations in the state. In a press statement, Comrade James Okonkwo, initiator of the group, acknowledged the patriotic disposition of members of the Anambra State House of Assembly for fast-tracking the passage of the Homeland Security Bill. Okonkwo described this as “a demonstration of governmental synergy tangential to peace and security in Anambra State.” Peace and Media Advocacy called on Ndi Anambra to be vigilant and supportive of the Soludo Administration’s resolve to make life more secure and meaningful for the people. The group also deplored the opposition’s attempts to politicize the security situation in the state, urging them to desist from such actions. Furthermore, the group appealed to the clergy to rally round the government to improve the security situation in Anambra State. “All leaders of thought, it is incumbent on religious leaders to preach peace and love in Anambra State,” the statement read. Finally, Peace and Media Advocacy called on town unions to resuscitate vigilantes in their various communities, stating that this would go a long way in boosting peace and security in Anambra State. This development comes as Governor Soludo launches “Operation Udo Ga-Achi,” a special security initiative aimed at tackling crime and insecurity in the state.

ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT DEMOLISHES HOTEL ALLEGEDLY SERVING AS KIDNAPPERS’ DEN

The Anambra State Government has demolished a popular hotel, Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, also known as La Cruise Hotel, located along Onitsha-Owerri Road in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area. The hotel was allegedly serving as a den for kidnappers and a hideout for other criminals. A shocking discovery was made by the state’s newly launched security outfit, “Agụnechemba”, which found over 30 partitioned graves and a shrine within the hotel premises. The hotel, with a CAC registration number of 201966, was reportedly one of the most popular and frequented hotels in the area. Mr. Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to the governor, confirmed the raid and exhibits discovered at the hotel, stating that a full investigation had been directed to the appropriate authority. The demolition of the hotel was carried out in line with the Anambra Homeland Security law. The discovery has sent shockwaves throughout the community, evoking memories of the infamous 1996 Otokoto incident in Imo state. The community remains on high alert, demanding justice for the heinous crimes committed. As the investigation unfolds, concerns about the prevalence of ritual killings and corruption in the region have been raised.

CIVIL SOCIETY GROUP PETITIONS FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE OVER SECURITY VOTE TRANSPARENCY

The Leadership and Accountability Initiative, a renowned civil society organization, has petitioned the Federal Ministry of Finance to provide detailed information on security votes disbursed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State since he assumed office on March 17, 2022. The petition, signed by the Head of Administration, Abraham Momodu, seeks to determine the exact amount released as security votes to Governor Soludo, including the dates of disbursement and details of other special security financial interventions by the federal government to the state. “The public has the right to know how taxpayers’ money is being spent, especially when it comes to funds allocated for sensitive matters such as security,” said Hon. Henry Shield, the Head of Mission for the group. Shield emphasized that security votes are meant to enhance the security and well-being of citizens, and it is only fair that the citizens of Anambra, and indeed Nigerians, are informed about how these resources are being managed. The petition was submitted under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011, which guarantees the public’s right to access government-held information. The FOI Act mandates that the Ministry responds to the request within seven working days. Should there be any charges for processing this request, the group has pledged to cover the necessary costs. Abraham Momodu noted that the group’s petition follows growing calls from citizens and stakeholders for increased transparency in the management of public funds, particularly security-related allocations that often remain shrouded in secrecy. By seeking clarity on the security votes, the group aims to ensure that these funds are used appropriately and for their intended purpose. “This is not just a call for transparency in Anambra State, but a reminder to all levels of government that the people must have access to information on how public resources are utilized. We will continue to push for accountability across all tiers of government,” Henry Shield added. The group has pledged to follow up on the petition and will continue to engage with the public to ensure that government actions align with the principles of openness and public service. Abraham Momodu reiterated that the Leadership and Accountability Initiative is committed to promoting good governance, human rights, and accountability in Nigeria.

Police confirm 22 dead in Anambra stampede

The Anambra State Police Command reported 22 deaths at a palliatives distribution site in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, on Saturday. The palliative distribution was coordinated by a local philanthropist. The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, visited the hospital where the victims of the unfortunate stampede are being treated, according to a statement released by police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga on Sunday in Onitsha. He said that Itam sympathised with the families and friends of the deceased, while wishing those injured quick recovery. He said that investigation into the unfortunate incident was ongoing, adding that the command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people during and after the festive period.