—AMECHI . P
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has been at the helm of Anambra State since March 17, 2022, and as of April 1, 2025, he is approaching the end of his third year in office. With the governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, discussions about his performance and potential for a second term have gained momentum.
Below is an analysis of Soludo’s key achievements and the argument for why his second term is considered non-negotiable by his supporters, based on the premise that he has earned it through tangible results.
### Key Achievements of Governor Soludo
1. **Infrastructure Development**
Soludo’s administration has prioritized road construction and maintenance, a critical need in Anambra. Reports indicate that over 739 kilometers of roads have been awarded, with more than 420 kilometers commissioned within his first three years. These roads, built with durable stone base and cement stabilization, reflect a focus on quality and longevity. Notable projects include the Ekwulobia flyover and the access road to the Second Niger Bridge, enhancing connectivity and economic activity. Additionally, the “Zero Pothole” initiative has improved existing roadways, making Anambra a standout in the Southeast for infrastructure.
2. **Education Reform**
Education has been a cornerstone of Soludo’s agenda. He has recruited over 8,000 teachers, an unprecedented move that has bolstered the state’s public education system. Free basic education up to Senior Secondary School Year 3 (SS3) has increased enrollment by 18.7%, reducing the out-of-school children rate to a national low of 2.9%. The establishment of 21 smart schools across local government areas and investments in digital education have positioned Anambra as a leader in educational innovation.
3. **Healthcare Transformation**
Soludo’s healthcare initiatives include free antenatal and delivery services, benefiting over 5,000 pregnant women monthly and achieving zero maternal deaths in some metrics. The construction of five new hospitals, upgrades to 326 health centers with solar power, and the recruitment of 1,000 medical professionals have strengthened healthcare delivery. Anambra now ranks second only to Lagos in under-five survival rates, a testament to these efforts.
4. **Security Improvements**
Addressing Anambra’s security challenges, Soludo launched the “Agunechemba” security outfit, which has reclaimed areas like Lilu and Oba from criminal elements. Eight local government areas previously plagued by gunmen are now stable, boosting public confidence and enabling economic activity. His “Udo Ga-Achi” (Peace Will Reign) initiative has been praised for restoring order without heavy reliance on federal intervention.
5. **Youth Empowerment and Economic Growth**
The “One Youth, Two Skills” program has trained 5,000 young entrepreneurs, providing seed funding, while 8,700 more are in training. The Solution Innovation District has produced 20,000 tech professionals, earning Anambra recognition as the “Best State in Digital Technology.” These efforts align with Soludo’s vision of a prosperous, self-reliant state, reducing unemployment and fostering innovation.
6. **Fiscal Responsibility**
Remarkably, Soludo has achieved these milestones without borrowing, a rarity in Nigerian governance. By spending only 65% of 2013 levels and 61% of 2014 levels, he has demonstrated prudent financial management, funding projects like a new Government House and Solution Fun City from state resources. This fiscal discipline has kept Anambra debt-free, enhancing its economic stability.
Why His Second Term is Non-Negotiable and Earned
Supporters argue that Soludo’s second term is non-negotiable because his achievements reflect a transformative leadership style that merits continuation.
Here’s why they believe he has earned it:
1. **Proven Track Record**
In just three years, Soludo has delivered results that surpass many predecessors’ eight-year tenures. His focus on infrastructure, education, and healthcare directly addresses Anambra’s core needs, improving quality of life and setting a foundation for long-term growth. Stakeholders, including workers, women’s groups, students, and lawmakers, have endorsed him, citing these tangible outcomes as evidence of his capability.
2. **Vision 2070 Continuity**
Soludo’s administration aligns with Anambra’s Vision 2070 Development Plan, a roadmap for sustainable progress. Projects like the Second Niger Bridge access road and the Solution Innovation District are strategic investments in the state’s future. A second term would ensure these initiatives reach fruition, avoiding the disruption often caused by leadership changes.
3. **Zoning and Political Advantage**
Anambra’s informal zoning formula favors a second term for governors from the same senatorial zone—Soludo hails from Anambra South. Combined with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)’s 12-year dominance in the state, this political tradition strengthens his candidacy. The opposition’s relative silence and lack of a formidable challenger further bolster his position.
4. **Federal and Local Support**
Soludo’s ability to collaborate across party lines, as seen in his partnership with the APC-led federal government on the Second Niger Bridge project, has earned him praise from figures like Works Minister David Umahi. This bipartisan goodwill, alongside endorsements from groups like the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and over 2,000 women’s groups, signals broad-based support.
5. **Economic and Social Impact**
By avoiding debt, empowering youth, and improving security, Soludo has created an environment conducive to investment and stability. His administration’s focus on human capital—evidenced by teacher recruitment, healthcare upgrades, and skill development—ensures that Anambra’s progress is people-centered, resonating with voters who prioritize practical governance over rhetoric.
6. **Public Sentiment and Resilience**
Despite early criticism, such as his 2022 clash with Peter Obi, Soludo has regained public trust through performance. Posts on X and statements from community leaders reflect growing approval, with many describing his work as “silent but impactful.” His ability to deliver without excessive media fanfare contrasts favorably with peers, reinforcing his credibility.
### Counterpoints and Challenges
Critics, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Labour Party (LP), have accused Soludo of prioritizing political survival over security and failing to address all constituencies equally. IPOB, for instance, claims he succumbs to “Fulani hegemony” for re-election purposes, while LP asserts his performance is overhyped.
However, these criticisms lack widespread substantiation compared to the documented evidence of his achievements, and the opposition has yet to present a unified or compelling alternative.
Conclusion
Governor Soludo’s first term has been marked by significant strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and economic empowerment, achieved with fiscal restraint and strategic vision.
His supporters argue that these accomplishments make his second term non-negotiable, as he has earned it through results that align with Anambra’s aspirations. With strong local backing, political advantages, and a clear trajectory for growth, Soludo’s re-election on November 8, 2025, appears poised to consolidate his legacy as a game-changer in Anambra’s governance. Whether this momentum will silence detractors and secure victory remains to be seen, but the case for his continuation is robustly grounded in his record.
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