Anambra Patriots for Soludo Launch Campaign, Aim for One Million Votes

 

By: O'star Eze

The Anambra Patriots for Soludo, a dynamic grassroots organization, kicked off their campaign to support Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s re-election bid for the November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election. The event took place at the Government House Perm-Site Market, Ukwuorji in Awka, marking the group’s strategic mobilization in line with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.

The launch featured the distribution of customized aprons to market women, a vital voting bloc in Anambra State. These aprons, designed with zipper pouches for practicality, served as both a campaign tool to promote Soludo’s candidacy and a functional aid for traders’ daily activities.

Arch. Okey Ezeobi, Convener of the group and Managing Director of the Anambra State Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), spoke at the event, describing the campaign as part of the “Rebrand Anambra with Soludo” initiative. He hailed Governor Soludo as a transformative leader and a “jinx breaker” whose achievements have exceeded expectations.

“Our goal is one million votes for Soludo. His impact, especially in markets, resonates with the people. Women are willingly joining this movement because they see the progress under his leadership,” Ezeobi said. “Soludo is making Anambra a hub for living, working, and investment.”

Ezeobi also commended the enhanced security in the state, particularly in Awka, crediting the new Agunechemba security outfit and military checkpoints for reducing crimes like kidnapping. He noted the revival of nightlife and booming commercial activity as evidence of Soludo’s effective governance.

Chief Ejiamatu Enekwechi, Chairman of the group, emphasized the focus on market women, who represent the state’s largest voting demographic. “Women drive the highest voter turnout in Nigeria. These aprons are not just campaign materials but tools to empower their businesses,” he said, adding that every market trader in Anambra would receive one.

Mrs. Nwamaka Arinze, Managing Director of the Anambra Medical Oxygen Production Plant and a group member, praised Soludo’s infrastructure projects. “Farmers no longer struggle to transport produce due to bad roads. Soludo has built roads and even created a fun city for recreation, transforming Anambra into a model state,” she said. She also urged traders to maintain proper waste disposal to preserve the new infrastructure.

Market women at the event expressed enthusiasm for the campaign. Mrs. Maria Rapuruchukwu, a plantain seller, thanked the group for the apron and pledged her vote for Soludo, saying, “I’ll keep my money in this apron. Soludo is our next governor.” Mrs. Ifeoma Ofodile, another trader, added, “This apron helps my business. I’m voting for Soludo.”

Mrs. Evelyn Onyema, a fruit vendor, appreciated the group’s efforts, while Mrs. Emengi Helen noted she was already using the apron and praised Soludo’s road improvements in the market area. Traders Mrs. Blessing Nwakeze and Chikodili Igwenagu described the aprons as “fine” and expressed confidence in Soludo’s re-election, declaring, “He has already won.”