Soludo Faces Mounting Pressure to Join APC as South-East Leaders Seek Support from Obi of Onitsha

In a strategic move to secure Anambra State in the 2025 elections, officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are reportedly exerting significant pressure on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to defect from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and contest under the APC banner.

Undeterred by these claims, APGA dismisses the speculation, labeling it as wishful thinking on the part of the APC.

The pressure intensifies as South-East APC leaders visit the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, seeking his support to bolster the party’s chances in the upcoming election.

A chieftain of the APC in Awka disclosed that several delegations have approached Governor Soludo, emphasizing the political advantage of having a sitting governor as their candidate in the 2025 election.

Despite the denial from APGA, the APC chieftain hinted at a plan B if Governor Soludo remains unswayed by their efforts, maintaining the party’s keen interest in Anambra State.

Reacting to the alleged pressure, APGA’s national publicity secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, refuted the claims, stating that Governor Soludo cannot be easily swayed and anyone suggesting his defection is fabricating stories.

Former national auditor of APC, Sir Paul Chukwuma, recently announced his entry into the 2025 governorship race, citing his failed attempts to convince Anambra’s current leadership to join APC.

As the APC’s bid to take over Anambra unfolds, the party’s South-East leadership met with the Obi of Onitsha, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the APC to access federal support and enjoy democratic dividends.

South-East APC’s national vice chairman, Ijeomah Arodiogbu, assured the Obi of Onitsha of the party’s respect for traditional institutions, seeking support to make APC more acceptable in the state.

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, extended well-wishes to the APC delegation, acknowledging the importance of continued consultations. The delegation included APC Zonal Organizing Secretary, Dozie Ikedife, former Senator Emma Anosike, and Anambra APC North Vice Chairman, Emma Ekwuaju.