Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the sitting governor of Anambra State and former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) primary election, officially securing the party’s ticket to contest for a second term in the upcoming Anambra governorship election slated for November 8, 2025.

The primary election, which took place amidst anticipation and high security presence at the APGA state secretariat in Awka, saw party delegates from all 21 local government areas of Anambra State casting their votes overwhelmingly in favour of Soludo. The victory marks a significant political milestone for the incumbent governor as he seeks to consolidate his ongoing developmental projects and political agenda under the APGA platform.

Announcing the results late Friday evening, the chairman of the APGA governorship primary committee, Chief Uche Okafor, declared Soludo the winner, noting that he polled the majority of the votes cast in a largely peaceful and orderly process. According to the committee, out of the total number of accredited delegates, Soludo secured over 95% of the votes, with the remaining spread among two lesser-known aspirants, who have since congratulated the governor and pledged their support for the party’s campaign efforts.

In his acceptance speech shortly after the declaration, Governor Soludo thanked party delegates, APGA leadership, and the people of Anambra State for reposing their confidence in his leadership and giving him the mandate to fly the party’s flag again. He described the victory not just as a personal triumph, but as a vote of confidence in the ongoing transformation efforts across the state.

“This is a moment of renewal and responsibility,” Soludo said. “I do not take this trust for granted. We have laid the foundation for a more prosperous, safer, and digitally empowered Anambra. I am seeking a second term not to start afresh, but to finish strong.”

Soludo also acknowledged the role of party stakeholders and expressed appreciation to President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, and other regional leaders for their consistent encouragement. He reiterated his commitment to a peaceful and issues-based campaign, calling on all political opponents to prioritize the collective interest of the state above partisan ambitions.

His emergence has not come as a surprise to many political observers, as his tenure so far has been marked by a visible infrastructural drive, reforms in the education and health sectors, urban renewal projects, and a focus on digital governance. Despite facing economic headwinds and security challenges, Soludo’s administration has been credited with prudent fiscal management and a hands-on leadership style.

Reactions have begun pouring in from both within and outside the state. APGA’s National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, praised the transparency of the primary election and expressed confidence that with Soludo as the party’s standard bearer, APGA stands a strong chance of retaining Anambra State. He described Soludo as “a visionary and pragmatic leader whose tenure has reignited the APGA legacy of good governance and grassroots connection.”

On the streets of Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi, there was a palpable air of excitement as news of Soludo’s emergence spread. Supporters carrying banners and wearing party colours trooped out to celebrate, chanting slogans and pledging their continued support. Some residents who spoke with newsmen expressed satisfaction with the governor’s performance so far and said they look forward to more progress if he is re-elected.

Political analysts say Soludo’s victory at the primaries gives APGA a major head start ahead of the general elections, especially considering his wide acceptance and track record. However, they caution that the general election may still present a tough challenge, especially with rival political parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) expected to field strong candidates.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restated its readiness to conduct a credible and transparent governorship election in Anambra State come November 8. The commission reminded all political parties to adhere strictly to the timetable and guidelines issued, and to ensure internal democracy during the primaries.

With the APGA primaries concluded and Soludo now officially the party’s candidate, attention is expected to shift towards campaign strategies, political alliances, and issue-based debates. Many expect the campaign season to be intense, as Soludo will now have to defend his policies and convince the electorate that he deserves another four years to deepen his reforms and deliver more dividends of democracy.

The road to Anambra’s Government House has never been easy, and the 2025 governorship election is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested in the state’s history. With APGA having taken the first major step by reaffirming its trust in Soludo’s leadership, the political atmosphere is already charged as other parties gear up for their own primaries.

Observers say APGA’s early organization and clarity in presenting a known figure could work to its advantage. Yet, the party will need to maintain cohesion, reach out to grassroots voters, and address any internal dissent to avoid surprises at the polls.

As the November election approaches, all eyes will remain on Professor Chukwuma Soludo and the APGA machinery to see how they intend to translate this primary victory into a second-term triumph. For now, the governor’s campaign train is well and truly on track, powered by a renewed mandate from the very heart of the party he now leads into another decisive electoral battle.