“We’ll Use By-Elections to Show APC Owns Anambra” – Ukachukwu

Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 8 Anambra governorship election, has declared that next weekend’s by-elections in the state will serve as proof of the party’s growing dominance. Speaking in Awka during a meeting with leaders of market unions who endorsed his candidacy, Ukachukwu said the APC has already taken control of Anambra and will use the governorship election to formally consolidate that position. He noted that the August 16 Anambra South Senatorial and Onitsha North 1 State Constituency by-elections, which will fill vacancies left by deceased lawmakers, will be an opportunity to demonstrate the party’s strength.

“We will use August 16 by-elections to show Soludo that Anambra is APC territory. I come from the same zone, and after that election, we will know who is in charge of Anambra,” Ukachukwu said, adding that the vote will be a test of the party’s influence ahead of November.

He criticized the current administration for neglecting traders, who he described as the largest economic group in the state. “If Soludo meant well for Anambra people, the first people to take care of are traders. How can I be governor and NAFDAC will shut down a market in my state for months? That can’t happen,” he said. Ukachukwu pledged to establish a loan fund to provide traders with single-digit interest financing, using the government’s credit capacity to support small businesses. He also promised collaborative tax policies that would end harassment by revenue agents.

The APC candidate said his administration would focus on practical governance, prioritizing experience over rhetoric. “Once I become governor, my commissioner for trade and commerce must be a trader. I’m a trader myself, and I’m proud of my background,” he stated.