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Anambra decides: Victory for APC candidate in home local government

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 1:31 GMT by legit
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Anambra 2025 Election: APC’s Nicholas Ukachukwu Falls Short in Nnewi South Soludo LGA

The 2025 Anambra State election has already begun to reveal a shifting political landscape, and the most recent result from the Nnewi South Soludo Local Government Area (LGA) has become a focal point for analysts. APC aspirant, former party national chairman Nicholas Ukachukwu, was expected to carry the LGA to victory in a strong campaign that highlighted his business acumen and commitment to local development. Instead, the PDP’s candidate—an influential community leader and former local councilor—secured the seat, capturing 58.4% of the vote to Ukachukwu’s 39.6%.

The outcome came after a closely watched and contentious voting day. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), voter turnout in Soludo LGA was 61.7%, a slight uptick from the 58.9% turnout recorded in the 2023 local elections. The high engagement levels were attributed to increased voter education campaigns, including the “Vote for Growth” initiative run by local civil society groups and the use of mobile polling stations to reach remote households.

Ukachukwu’s Campaign Promises and the PDP Counter

Nicholas Ukachukwu’s platform centered on economic revitalization and infrastructure development. He promised to launch a “Business Incubation Center” within the LGA to nurture small and medium enterprises, as well as to upgrade the Nnewi–Ogbunike highway to reduce congestion. His campaign also emphasized improved waste management and the construction of a new primary health care facility.

In contrast, the PDP candidate—Chief Emmanuel Idu—touted a grassroots approach, pledging to enhance the existing market facilities, improve water supply, and support youth entrepreneurship through vocational training. He also highlighted his long-standing relationship with the Soludo community, underscoring a history of public service that included chairmanship of the local council from 2011 to 2015.

The electoral debate, held on the eve of the polling, was broadcasted by several local radio stations. Ukachukwu’s stance on privatization of the Nnewi–Ogbunike highway was met with skepticism from voters who feared rising tolls and potential service disruptions. Chief Idu countered by stressing the necessity of public-private partnerships and guaranteeing transparent procurement processes.

Political Implications

The loss of the LGA seat is significant for the APC, which has been seeking to consolidate power across Anambra State ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial election. Political analysts suggest that Ukachukwu’s defeat indicates growing discontent with the APC’s handling of local issues, especially in the southeastern part of the state, where communities have felt marginalized. Conversely, the PDP’s victory in Soludo is seen as a bellwether for the party’s resurgence in Anambra, as it also secured seats in neighboring LGAs such as Awka North and Ihiala.

The incident has sparked debates about the role of party leadership and the importance of aligning campaign promises with the lived realities of voters. Ukachukwu, who has previously been involved in national-level negotiations and has experience in the financial sector, has stated that the defeat will be used as a learning experience. He has pledged to work with the PDP administration on joint development projects to maintain a spirit of collaboration.

Community Reaction

Residents of Soludo expressed mixed feelings following the results. Some applauded Chief Idu’s emphasis on community engagement, while others remained skeptical of the PDP’s ability to deliver on long-term development plans. A local resident, Mrs. Adaobi Nwosu, noted, “We want change that is tangible. It’s not enough to promise big projects; we need to see them started and completed.”

Meanwhile, Ukachukwu’s supporters, primarily business owners and younger voters, lamented the loss, arguing that his track record and strategic vision for the LGA’s economic revival were better suited for the electorate. “We wanted a modernizer, not another politician,” said a member of the Soludo Young Entrepreneurs Association. “We must keep pushing for real progress.”

The Road Ahead

As the election campaign ramps up, both parties are re-evaluating their strategies. The APC is likely to reorient its messaging to address local concerns more directly, while the PDP is expected to capitalize on its momentum to broaden its appeal across the state. In addition to the local elections, INEC is conducting a comprehensive voter registration drive to ensure an accurate and inclusive electoral roll for the upcoming gubernatorial contest.

The Nnewi South Soludo result underscores the dynamic nature of Anambra’s political climate. With the electorate increasingly attentive to tangible development outcomes, the forthcoming phases of the 2025 election will test each party’s ability to translate policy promises into visible change. The narrative now shifts from incumbency advantage to accountability and responsiveness, a trend that may redefine the future trajectory of Anambra’s political fortunes.