APC has no vacancy in Anambra, says Gov Soludo ahead of Guber polls

Anambra State Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the upcoming November 8 governorship election, Charles Soludo, has cast doubt on the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) ability to secure victory in the state, declaring that the party lacks the foundational strength to compete.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday, Soludo mocked the APC’s presence in Anambra, claiming it has consistently failed to gain traction in the state’s political landscape.

“In Anambra, APC doesn’t even have a councillor—not even one,” he said. “In all previous elections, they’ve never been able to get traction. Look at the last several elections—general elections and local government elections—not even 3–4% of the votes. You can’t put something on nothing, so to speak.”

The governor responded to concerns that “federal might” could influence the outcome of the election, pointing to examples from other states.

“In Imo, the incumbent APC got re-elected. In Kogi, the same thing happened. In Edo, it was a tight race—APC holds three Senate seats, several House of Reps and state Assembly members. That was almost neck-and-neck,” he explained. “But in Anambra, it’s a different case entirely.”

Despite his confidence, Soludo assured that APGA would not take anything for granted. “Every contest is a contest. Even though, from what is on the ground now, any fair assessment would ask—‘Who are you really contesting with?’ But we’re not thinking that way,” he said. “We will be contesting like we are the underdog.”

Soludo also expressed confidence in the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and President Bola Tinubu’s administration to deliver a fair electoral process.

“I believe in democracy,” he stated. “I have confidence in the institutions organizing the election. I have confidence in INEC, in the President, and in the federal government—that they understand democracy and will ensure a level playing field. Everyone will go to the field and do the work.”

He added that while preparations for the election are important, his primary focus remains on fulfilling his mandate to the people.

“My focus is still on delivering on the mandate—improving security, strengthening the economy, reducing the number of out-of-school children, advancing our gains in healthcare, and driving the ongoing infrastructure revolution,” he said.