Anambra 2025: 13 Major Candidates Battle to Unseat Soludo

As Anambra State heads toward a pivotal governorship election on November 8, 2025, political activities are in full swing. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared candidates from multiple political parties, each bringing unique backgrounds, leadership styles, and visions for the future of the state.

From political veterans to entrepreneurs and first-time contenders, here are the 13 major candidates seeking to unseat Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo in what promises to be a fiercely contested race.

1. Paul Chukwuma (YPP)

Paul Chukwuma, founder of Olivia University in Burundi and Pro-Chancellor of Benue State University, is the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate. A lawyer and former National Auditor of the ruling party, Chukwuma is known for his administrative and academic leadership experience. An ex-seminarian, he brings a blend of discipline, intellect, and governance expertise to the race.

2. Ezenwafor Jude (PDP)

Ezenwafor Jude, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is a real estate developer and trade consultant. He emerged as the PDP flag-bearer unopposed, receiving unanimous endorsement from 853 delegates. With extensive experience in governance, advisory roles, and global trade diplomacy, Ezenwafor promises to leverage economic partnerships to strengthen Anambra’s growth.

3. Geoffrey Onyejegbu (NNPP)

A retired Colonel in the Nigerian Army, Geoffrey Onyejegbu represents the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). He previously contested for the APC ticket in 2021 and later joined the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). His campaign emphasizes discipline, leadership, and security reform in Anambra.

4. Moghalu Nnadubem (LP)

Representing the Labour Party (LP), Moghalu Nnadubem hails from Nnewi North LGA. A seasoned technocrat, he once served as Director-General of the Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development in Abia State and later as Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). He also founded the Zimuzo Development Foundation, focused on community development.

5. Chukwurah Vincent (SDP)

Vincent Chukwurah, candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was born in 1954 in Anambra State. He holds a general high school diploma and previously ran for the Idemili North/Idemili South House of Representatives seat in 2023. His political agenda centers on grassroots empowerment and social reform.

6. Onyeze Charles (Accord)

Onyeze Charles, a philanthropist and businessman, was declared unopposed as the Accord Party candidate during the party’s primary election in Awka. Known for his charitable work in Anambra, Onyeze campaigns on transparent governance and social equity.

7. Nweke Japhet (AA)

Nweke Japheth, the Action Alliance (AA) candidate, emerged through an Option A4 voting system, securing 58 delegate votes. He is the Chairman/CEO of Blue Shield Security Company Limited, emphasizing job creation, youth empowerment, and security reform as the cornerstones of his campaign.

8. Ifemeludike Chioma (TSA)

Ifemeludike Chioma, the youngest governorship candidate, represents The Salvation Army (TSA) party. A graduate of Anambra State University (now COOU), she studied Political Science and was active in student leadership and civil rights advocacy. Her campaign promotes youth inclusion, women empowerment, and transparent governance.

9. Nwosu Chuma (ADC)

Chuma Nwosu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, is an economist and computer technologist from Nnewi. As CEO of Jetlink Group Ltd., an ICT firm with operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia, he advocates for digital transformation and private-sector-driven governance in Anambra.

10. Otti Echezona (APM)

Otti Echezona, candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), has a background in public administration and technical education. Aged 66, his campaign focuses on rural infrastructure, education reform, and value-based leadership.

11. Nweke Chukwudubem (APP)

Nweke Christopher Chukwudubem is the Action Peoples Party (APP) candidate, with Okeke Blessing Ebele as his running mate. His campaign stresses participatory governance and local economic development.

12. Okeke Jerry (Independent Candidate)

Okeke Jerry, from Ezinifite in Aguata LGA, studied Civil Engineering at IMT Enugu and Geological Science at UNIZIK. He later earned degrees in Linguistics, Law, and Public Administration.
As the founder of Edumail Publications Ltd., he has produced over 100 storybooks, 20 books, and 25 workbooks widely used in Nigerian schools, including NECO-approved materials. His campaign emphasizes education reform, literacy, and moral leadership.

13. Ukachukwu Nicholas (APC)

Ukachukwu Nicholas, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, is a businessman and politician from Osumenyi, Anambra State. Founder of SNECOU Group Limited, his conglomerate operates in oil and gas, real estate, agriculture, and media. A former Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and House of Representatives member (1999–2003), Ukachukwu is positioning himself as a reform-minded candidate focused on economic growth and infrastructural renewal.

The Road Ahead

With 13 candidates from across the political spectrum, the Anambra 2025 governorship election promises a dynamic contest of ideas, experience, and political will. As campaigns intensify, voters are expected to weigh candidates’ track records, credibility, and capacity to continue or redefine the development path of the Soludo administration.

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