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Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, is expected to face significant opposition in his bid for reelection in 2025. Despite being an incumbent, Soludo will need to navigate several obstacles if he hopes to secure a second term.
One of the key factors that may hinder Soludo’s reelection is religious politics. The Catholic Church has traditionally played a major role in determining the state’s governors, with every governor since 1999 being either Catholic or Anglican. Soludo himself was elected partly because of his Catholic background.
However, his recent spat with Catholic priests, where he chastised a priest for staging an ostentatious burial, has strained his relationship with the church. If the Catholic Church decides to oppose him, Soludo’s chances of survival may be slim.
Another challenge for Soludo comes from the traditional institution. He recently clashed with some traditional rulers over the conferment of a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. This led to the suspension of the traditional ruler who bestowed the title.
The chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Ruler Council, the Obi of Onitsha, also criticized Soludo’s actions, accusing him of belittling the traditional institution. The monarchs may seek retribution during the 2025 election, potentially harming Soludo’s chances of victory.
The popularity and support enjoyed by former governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi could also pose a challenge to Soludo. Obi may try to install a Labour Party governor in Anambra to make a statement for future political endeavors. He has already gathered top politicians from the state as disciples, many of whom won political positions in the last presidential election.
These politicians, including Senator Victor Umeh and Senator Tony Nwoye, may support Obi’s candidate over Soludo.
Furthermore, the entry of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah into the All Progressives Congress (APC) has caused tension within the party. Previously, Anambra residents had a strong aversion to the APC, but with the influence of APC national leader Bola Tinubu, the party’s standing has improved.
Ubah, a popular grassroots politician with deep pockets, has expressed his interest in the governorship and may pose a significant challenge to Soludo if he pairs up with Senator Uche Ekwunife as his running mate.
In conclusion, Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s bid for reelection in 2025 is likely to face opposition from various quarters. The political landscape in Anambra, with its religious, traditional, and party dynamics, presents significant hurdles for Soludo to overcome. If he hopes to secure a second term, Soludo will need to navigate these challenges while maintaining support from key stakeholders.