“The Intimidation Will Not Work” — Ekwunife’s Camp Accuses Soludo of Targeted Attacks, Warns of Threat to Democracy in Anambra

By Arthur Maduka

Anambra State’s political landscape is heating up as Senator Uche Ekwunife’s media team has publicly condemned what they describe as a deliberate campaign of defamation and harassment allegedly orchestrated by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and his aides. The statement, issued by Tony Ezike, Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to Senator Ekwunife, accuses the governor of fueling political intolerance and undermining democratic values through targeted attacks and misogynistic rhetoric.

According to the release, the smear campaign began with anonymous social media posts but has now become more brazen, with Soludo’s media aide, Chinedu Obigwe, leading the charge. Obigwe reportedly described Senator Ekwunife’s legal campaign activities—particularly her voter mobilization efforts for the All Progressives Congress (APC)—as “criminal,” a claim that has drawn sharp criticism from her supporters.

“It is deeply concerning that a routine and lawful campaign event is being framed as a criminal act,” Ezike said. “In any functioning democracy, encouraging citizens to vote is not a crime—it’s a civic responsibility.”

Ezike argues that the attacks have moved beyond politics into a realm of character assassination and gender-based harassment, with public discourse now featuring crude remarks directed at Ekwunife’s womanhood. The statement questions whether Governor Soludo would remain silent if such language were used against members of his own family.

“For someone who prides himself on academic and global leadership credentials, Governor Soludo’s refusal to speak out against this behavior is not only disappointing—it is dangerous,” Ezike stated.

The Ekwunife camp also pointed to recent comparisons between the senator and the governor’s wife, suggesting that Ekwunife’s record in public service, academic achievement, and community development far outshines that of the First Lady. “These are not personal attacks; they are verifiable facts,” the statement said.

The accusations extend to the state government’s alleged hypocrisy in handling opposition parties. According to Ezike, the Soludo administration demands exorbitant fees from opposition candidates for media access, while simultaneously attempting to shut them out of the public space through character attacks.

“This is more than political rivalry,” Ezike said. “It is a systematic attempt to silence a woman whose competence, popularity, and leadership challenge the status quo.”

Despite the mounting provocations, Senator Ekwunife has reportedly maintained restraint. However, her team suggests that silence is no longer an option. “The intimidation will not work,” Ezike declared. “The people of Anambra deserve better than insults, distractions, and vendettas. Leadership is not about occupying office—it is about conduct, accountability, and respect for democratic principles.”

With the 2025 general elections drawing closer, the developments have sparked broader concerns about the state of political discourse and women’s participation in Anambra’s democratic process. Ekwunife’s supporters have called on citizens, especially women, to reject what they see as a rising culture of political harassment and misrepresentation.

The governor has yet to respond directly to the accusations.