A heated political exchange is taking center stage in Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election, as incumbent Governor Charles Soludo responds to heavy criticism from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate. The debate has brought renewed focus to lingering security challenges, governance strategies, and the future of one of South East Nigeria’s most economically vibrant states.
Governor Soludo did not mince words in rebutting allegations made by the YPP gubernatorial aspirant. Dismissing the accusations as political grandstanding, Soludo alleged that his YPP rival is primarily involved in the race just to create public noise and propagate misinformation with little substance to back up the claims.
YPP Candidate Criticizes Soludo’s Governance Approach
Paul Chukwuma, YPP’s candidate and active figure in Anambra’s political sphere, issued a statement to mark the 34th anniversary of Anambra State. In his address, Chukwuma lamented that the state’s impressive human resources and entrepreneurial spirit are not being fully harnessed under Soludo’s administration. He argued that these shortcomings are stalling economic progress and undermining Anambra’s business potential, especially given the pedigree of the current governor.
Chukwuma referenced the widespread anticipation that Charles Soludo—a respected economist with a history at Nigeria’s Central Bank—would implement transformative policies modeled after thriving economic powerhouses like Dubai and Taiwan. Instead, Chukwuma alleges that the current administration has struggled with basic governance matters, particularly in guaranteeing the security and welfare of residents and businesses. As shared on the governor’s public channels, these criticisms have attracted broad attention from political analysts and the electorate across the South-East.
Allegations of Controversial Appointments in State Leadership
Expanding on his criticisms, Chukwuma highlighted the need for transparent, accountable leadership, pointing out that Anambra is home to globally renowned professionals and entrepreneurs who could drive development. He accused the governor of making questionable appointments, alleging that individuals with histories of criminal indictments, including accusations of wire fraud in the United States, have been installed in influential positions such as local government chairman and heads of critical state agencies.
Chukwuma further asserted that as of the time of his statement, the Soludo-led administration had yet to clarify the circumstances surrounding the federal government’s demolition of the residence of the anti-touting agency’s chief. He also argued that despite government assurances, everyday security remains a major concern for Anambra residents, and that economic prosperity feels like a distant aspiration for many families and businesses in the state.
Soludo Challenges YPP Candidate’s Claims, Defends His Record
Responding to the barrage of allegations, Governor Soludo, speaking exclusively with a regional reporter, refuted the YPP candidate’s charges. The governor characterized the opposition’s critique as misunderstanding the complexities of governance, noting that electoral contests should not be about making baseless accusations but rather about presenting workable solutions for the people of Anambra.
Source: Facebook
Governor Soludo, who is known for his academic and policy credentials (see more about Charles Soludo), maintained that his administration has orchestrated visible improvements in the state’s security landscape and infrastructure. According to the governor, recent developments reflect a marked departure from previous years’ instability.
“Does economic progress have any other definition than what it should be? So, 800 km of road done by this government within three years, is it not progress? New government house and the Solution Fun City, are they not progress and development?
“Is the Ekwulobia iconic flyover not progress for the state? So, the 5 brand new general hospitals built under this regime not for development? Okpoko urban regeneration – from slump to haven, is that not development?
“This government trained 30,000 youths on digital skills; employed 8115 teachers, hired 1500 medical professionals and erected a 56-building new government house in about three years.
“Is that not progress and development? Anambra was created 34 years ago without a befitting government house and governor’s lodge. Today, the Anambra government house is a mini city within the Awka capital city.
“People like that are simply daft. That is the way I can describe such people. They’re daft – completely daft, and they want to be governor when they don’t understand what development means.”
The governor’s commissioner for information, Dr. Law Mefor, also weighed in, rejecting the assertions about deteriorating security. “Anambra today is safer than many realize,” Dr. Mefor said, referencing recent successful public events and elections as proof of stability. He pointed to the smooth orchestration of the senatorial by-election that took place across 70 communities—including zones where voting could not occur in the 2021 cycle—as tangible evidence that security has been largely restored in the state.
“Well, there’s a peer review that came out recently. In that review, Anambra is not even in the first 15 states in the country where we have insecurity.
“Yet, the YPP candidate says it’s not evidence of the restoration of security in Anambra. He is blind, and he hasn’t seen Operation Udo Ga-Achi and Agunechemba created by this government through the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, to restore security in the state.
“Two national events took place in Anambra recently that involved all the 326 wards in the state. One is the continuous voter registration exercise, which took place two months ago; another is the off-season by-election, which also took place in Anambra South senatorial district and Onitsha 1 state constituency. Before Soludo became governor, that was not possible without security hitches.
“Before Soludo became governor, 8 LGAs were under siege. This situation is no longer the case, as the voter registration exercise was held all over the state, including areas where the governorship election couldn’t be held in 2021.”
Dr. Mefor noted, “Security agencies, working with community groups, have made substantial progress. Our streets are safer, and business activities are rebounding. We challenge critics to look at data, not just isolated incidents.”
The administration acknowledges that while challenges remain, ongoing reforms are aimed at sustaining law and order to attract investments and spur further growth in commerce and industry.
“Having said this, if the YPP person says there’s insecurity in Anambra under Soludo, he is either mischievous, ignorant or both. They say he is the YPP candidate; well, I don’t even know his name. That means he is not even in the race.”
Emerging Security Concerns: Vigilante Group Allegations
Notwithstanding government assurances, local anxieties about security persist. In a recent incident widely circulated on social media, armed men reportedly identified as members of Operation Udo Ga-Achi (also known as Agunechemba Vigilante Group) were filmed confronting a female corps member and her associates at their lodge in Anambra. The footage, which allegedly shows the security personnel physically assaulting some residents, has triggered outrage and renewed concerns about the conduct and oversight of local vigilante forces (see details of the incident).
Community leaders and youth groups have since called for a thorough investigation into the matter, advocating for clearer lines of accountability and respect for human rights among non-state security actors. Many residents are demanding reforms that will strengthen both state and community policing structures, noting that effective security is pivotal for enabling prosperity and ensuring that Anambra remains an investment-friendly environment.
The Broader Nigerian and West African Context
Security and transparent governance remain central issues across Nigeria, not just in Anambra. States in the South-East have, in the past, faced complex security dynamics, with local vigilante groups supplementing but sometimes clashing with federal security operations. Experts argue that for states like Anambra—with their high levels of business activity and vibrant diaspora—maintaining safety, rule of law, and transparent public appointments are key enablers for both local development and regional competitiveness.
According to Lagos-based policy analyst Uche Eze, “What happens in Anambra reflects broader trends in Nigeria’s push for decentralized, transparent security solutions. It’s essential that community safety initiatives work hand in hand with the law, not outside it, especially with millions of livelihoods at stake.”
Looking Forward: Citizens’ Voices and Ongoing Debate
With the November election approaching, residents are closely scrutinizing campaign promises, policy records, and candidates’ capacity to deliver on security and economic advancement. Many local voters—from Nnewi’s traders to Awka’s tech entrepreneurs—say that their top priorities include not just infrastructure, but also confidence that their daily lives and investments are protected.
Political watchers suggest that continued public debate, independent monitoring, and citizen engagement are crucial for keeping leaders accountable and ensuring government commitments translate into meaningful impact. As the campaign season intensifies, all eyes remain on Anambra’s evolving story—a bellwether for governance, security, and prosperity across Nigeria and West Africa at large.
What’s your view on the current state of security and leadership in Anambra? Do you think the ongoing political debate will spur real change? Drop a comment below and join the conversation—your voice matters!
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