Former Soludo Support Group Women Leader Dumps APGA for APC as Ukachukwu Challenges Anambra Governor on Transparency

By Arthur Maduka

The All Progressives Congress (APC) continued its campaign trail ahead of the 2025 Anambra governorship election with a major rally in Umueze Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area on Wednesday. The event saw a massive turnout of party supporters, stakeholders, and political leaders, as APC’s gubernatorial candidate, Prince Dr Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, took their message of change to the grassroots.

One of the most notable moments of the rally was the official defection of Mrs Theresa Okoye, former Women Leader of the Soludo Support Group, from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the APC. Addressing the crowd, Okoye declared her total support for Ukachukwu’s candidacy and vowed to mobilize women across the state for the APC. “All the efforts we made for APGA will now be channeled to APC. I told APGA to continue while I move to a place of rest with APC. The women of Anambra State are coming with me,” she announced to loud applause.

Prince Ukachukwu, also known as Ikukuoma Ndigbo, used the platform to issue a direct challenge to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, calling on him to publicly disclose his asset records before and after assuming office. He questioned the source of the governor’s current wealth, suggesting it could not be justified by his previous earnings as an academic. “If you had even 10% of what you currently have before becoming governor, I will resign from the governorship race,” Ukachukwu said, urging transparency and accountability in public service.

APC State Chairman Hon. Basil Ejidike welcomed the defection of Okoye and described it as a major boost for the party’s growing momentum in Anambra West. Other prominent figures at the rally, including former House of Representatives member Hon. Emma Madubueze, praised Ukachukwu’s track record and leadership, urging the electorate to reject APGA’s failed promises and embrace the APC ticket.

Senator Uche Ekwunife criticized APGA for what she called political insincerity and lack of national relevance. She cited past instances where the party abandoned political allies for expediency. “They once supported President Jonathan, but after his loss, they switched to Buhari. That’s political window dressing,” she said. Ekwunife praised Ukachukwu as a God-fearing and compassionate leader she has known for over 30 years, declaring him the right choice to lead Anambra.

During the rally, Ukachukwu outlined key plans for Anambra West, including a state of emergency on local road infrastructure, a 10,000-hectare farming initiative with free seed distribution, revitalization of healthcare and educational facilities, deployment of federal solar projects, and the development of the region’s gas reserves to tackle poverty and power shortages. He concluded by inaugurating the APC Ward Campaign Council, calling on members to work in unity for victory at the polls.

The rally was attended by several high-profile party members, including Hon. Emma Egwemi, Chief Dozie Ikedife, Dr. Obinna Uzoh, Hon. Mrs Njideka Oraedum, and Dr. Mrs Kene Chiedu, among others.