Anambra 2025: Qualification remains a major issue because of who we are - DG, Soludo-Ibezim campaign organization *Says focus is on Anambra's future

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By Madu Obi

The Director General of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, campaign organization for the November 8 governorship election, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu has said that qualification of the candidates standing for the election, will remain an issue because of the uniqueness of Anambra State.

In a statement in Awka, Chukwulobelu, who isthe Secretary to the State Government, however, added that the Soludo-Ibezim campaign organization would remain focused on the future of the state.

He observed that although the various political parties and their candidates are exercising their constitutional rights to campaign for the office, some of them were beginning to show desperation with intent to distract or destroy.

"We will remain razor-focused on the issues about the future of Anambra, and no number of fabricated obscenities can distract us. We will not take the bait to get into the gutter with them and we will not dignify them either", the DG said.

According to Chukwulobelu, part of the fundamental issues for every election is the qualification of the candidates to hold such office, adding that the Constitution of Nigeria prescribes a minimum academic qualification for the office of governor of a state.

He said: "For Anambra, a state known for excellence (home to some of the most educated leaders Nigeria has ever had--- Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Akwaeke Nwafor-Orizu, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Prof. Kenneth Dike, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Francis Cardinal Arinze, etc.), it is an important issue in the choice of a governor.

The past civilian governors since 1999 include: Dr. Mbadinuju (PhD); Dr. Nwabueze Ngige (MBBS, UNN—Medical Doctor); Mr. Peter Obi (B. Sc Philosophy, UNN); and Mr. Willie Obiano (B. Sc, MBA—UNILAG).

Our current governor, Chukwuma Soludo (B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph. D Economics, UNN) is a globally acclaimed Professor of Economics, consultant, and technocrat--- with hundreds of international awards for excellent public service, including the Financial Times of London/Banker award as best governor of central bank in the world.

The New African Magazine’s (London) recognition as one of the 100 most influential Africans, and even celebrated by his Alma Mater, UNN, at its 44th Founders’ Day as the University’s Most Distinguished alumnus.

His deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, is a Medical Doctor with accomplished public service. Together, both are leading a major social and economic transformation of Anambra State, and the evidence is clear.

Our campaign is rooted in over 120 sterling achievements of the Soludo-Ibezim administration in barely three years without borrowing, and a robust plan for the next four years.

With dozens of awards of excellence by newspapers, magazines, and institutions, as well as endorsements by every stakeholder group in Anambra, Ndi Anambra are happy and clear about their choice.

The last bye election was a mock for the governorship, and APGA scored 75% of the votes. November will be even more emphatic"

The DG explained that part of the ethical and moral rebirth that the Soludo-Ibezim administration is executing is to rid Anambra of fake influences on her children/youths, including influences that discourage hard work and enterprise and promote success by magical means.

"As a campaign organization, we are focused on the future of Anambra. We do not take the support of Ndi Anambra for granted. We are working hard to earn every vote based upon the value that we have created and will still create for the people.

But the issue of who has the basic qualifications to govern Anambra will remain a legitimate issue in the campaign—both now and in the future! Anambra is far too sophisticated", he stated.