Soludo’s Governance Above Politics: APGA Sets a New Campaign Tone in Anambra
As political parties across Anambra State begin to position themselves for the fiercely anticipated November 8, 2025 governorship election, the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has taken an unusual but strategic approach. While other parties scramble to kickstart their campaigns, APGA has made it clear that their candidate—who also happens to be the incumbent governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo—is currently preoccupied with something more pressing: delivering on his self-imposed development deadlines.
In what many political observers have called a refreshing break from conventional electioneering, the party insists that for Governor Soludo, governance remains the top priority. Even with the green light from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 11, 2025, signaling the official start of campaign activities, Soludo has chosen to remain focused on executing projects and policies that directly impact the lives of the people of Anambra.
Governance Before Campaign: A Calculated Decision
The declaration by APGA was formally conveyed in a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ejimofor Opara. In the statement, Opara explained that Soludo’s deliberate decision to delay active campaign participation stems from a sense of duty, commitment, and responsibility to the people who elected him. According to him, the Governor is not only working to meet his own performance benchmarks but also to cement a legacy that speaks louder than campaign promises.
“Since June 11, INEC has blown the whistle for the race to the ‘Lighthouse’ Awka,” Opara wrote. “Many have called to enquire about our plans for the campaigns. First, as a government, there are deadlines that Governor Soludo has set for himself and everyone on the Solution team. Thus, a campaign at this time would be more of a distraction, and Ndi Anambra will not accept excuses.”
The statement underscored that Soludo’s governance track record is not dependent on media hype or political noise. Instead, it is defined by visible transformation across the state’s 21 local government areas—what APGA has described as “indelible footprints” of development.
The Soludo Approach: Performance Over Politics
Professor Chukwuma Soludo, a renowned economist and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has never hidden his distaste for the empty theatrics often associated with Nigerian politics. From the outset of his tenure as governor, he has consistently emphasized evidence-based governance, pragmatic leadership, and results-driven policy-making.
Since taking office in March 2022, Soludo has initiated several infrastructural and social development projects. These include the overhaul of state roads, urban renewal programs, housing developments, public health initiatives, and educational reforms. Many communities across Anambra now boast better road networks, functional healthcare centers, and schools equipped with modern learning tools. Market traders, artisans, and local farmers have also benefited from empowerment programs designed to stimulate grassroots economic growth.
According to APGA, it would be counterproductive for a governor still mid-way through major infrastructural rollouts to abandon governance for rallies and roadside speeches. “Our vehicle is sound, and the road ahead is clear,” said Opara. “Soludo is stamping his footprints across the length and breadth of the state.”
Political Theater Versus Substance
In typical campaign seasons, candidates often rush to dominate the airwaves, erect towering billboards, and flood communities with colorful banners and slogans. But APGA’s latest message cuts through that noise: the party says it will not be engaging in the usual political carnival just yet, because the real campaign—the campaign of results—is already being waged in Anambra’s streets, schools, markets, and hospitals.
Opara went further, offering a philosophical reflection on the current political climate. He stated that, unlike other candidates already running from one local government to another making lofty promises, APGA’s standard-bearer is doing the actual work the people need.
“For the first time in the state’s history,” he said, “Ndi Anambra will be making a decision based on massive evidence of sterling performance—not hearsay or gimmicks. The Ijele masquerade is not in a hurry. Let the lesser masquerades dance first. The big one will arrive when the moment is right.”
In a metaphorical flourish, Opara invoked the wisdom of the late highlife musician Chief Oliver De Coque: “Enwelum nnukwu mmanwu, nwe Otimkpu. Nnukwu Mmanwu puta obodo awalu oso, otimkpu a na eti, gidi-gidi bu ugwu Eze.” Translated loosely, the quote glorifies the majestic entry of a grand masquerade, signaling that while others may begin the race early, the true champion always commands the stage when it matters most.
The ‘Early Birds’: APGA’s Subtle Jabs
Without naming specific rival parties, APGA’s statement took subtle jabs at political opponents who have already launched their campaigns, referring to them as “early birds” and comparing their efforts to masquerades dancing in the village square before the arrival of the revered Ijele.
Opara described them as “Ulagas and Aji Busu”—terms associated with lesser masquerades that warm up the crowd before the main spectacle. According to him, their campaign activities amount to little more than political performances lacking substance or strategic direction.
“For the sake of ‘election economics’, we are happy that the early birds are flocking around and keeping the square busy,” he wrote. “But when the Ijele shows up, the square will tremble.”
By framing the campaign as a cultural performance, APGA seems to suggest that Soludo’s entry into the race, when it eventually happens, will overshadow all others—not because of political theatrics, but because of what he has tangibly achieved as governor.
APGA’s Bet: Let the Work Speak
Strategically, this approach appears to be aimed at differentiating APGA from other contenders by aligning the party’s identity with performance and integrity. Instead of dwelling on mudslinging, finger-pointing, or heated debates, the party is inviting Anambra’s voters to take a simple walk around their neighborhoods and judge for themselves.
From new road construction in Anambra North to solar-powered street lights in Onitsha and improved security infrastructure in Nnewi, the results are reportedly visible. For APGA, these are not just achievements—they are the campaign.
“Soludo’s work is on the ground, not on billboards,” Opara emphasized. “When the time comes, our people will ask every candidate: where were you when Anambra was being rebuilt?”
Soludo’s Quiet Confidence and Unapologetic Focus
Despite the rising tempo of campaign activities by opposition parties, Governor Soludo has remained silent on his strategy. However, close associates within the Government House suggest that he is confident in his administration’s achievements and not threatened by media noise.
His calendar is still filled with project launches, policy reviews, inter-agency briefings, and public engagements with communities. These daily commitments, insiders say, reaffirm his belief that leadership must never take a break, not even for an election.
Soludo’s supporters insist that his refusal to jump headfirst into campaign rallies is not a sign of hesitation but rather a deliberate strategy to demonstrate that responsible leadership does not pause for politics.
Ndi Anambra’s Verdict: A Performance-Based Election?
With 16 political parties cleared by INEC to participate in the November 2025 governorship poll, Anambra voters are being presented with a crowded field of choices. However, many political analysts believe that this election may differ significantly from previous ones.
This time, the electorate is more enlightened, better informed, and increasingly demanding of results. There is growing sentiment that campaign speeches are no longer enough—people want evidence. They want to see the bridges built, the hospitals renovated, the teachers recruited, and the potholes fixed.
APGA is counting on this evolving voter behavior to give Soludo an edge. The party’s message is simple: let every candidate show what they have done—not what they promise to do.
The Road Ahead: When Will APGA Launch Its Campaign?
While Soludo remains focused on governance, the question on everyone’s mind is: when will APGA officially hit the campaign trail?
Insiders suggest that the party may unveil a robust campaign schedule closer to August, aligning its messaging with completed projects and milestones. The aim, they say, is to avoid premature politicking and instead, launch a final sprint powered by hard facts, community testimonials, and compelling visuals of transformation.
Until then, the party says it is content to let others dance in the square while they complete the main act—the act of building a better Anambra.
A New Rhythm in Anambra Politics
As Anambra marches steadily toward the November 2025 governorship election, APGA’s unique approach is stirring conversations far beyond party lines. By putting performance ahead of politicking, the party—under Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s leadership—is making a bold statement: governance is the most effective campaign strategy.
Rather than jump into the fray of rallies, roadside speeches, and poster wars, Soludo is choosing to let his work speak. Roads are being built, schools are upgraded, markets empowered, and health centers revived. In place of noisy promises, he is offering visible results.
This strategy is a bet—not just on infrastructure or political savvy, but on the wisdom of Ndi Anambra. Soludo believes the people will look past the carnival of campaign theatrics and vote based on credibility, competence, and proof of delivery.
Should this approach succeed, it could set a precedent for a different kind of politics—not only in Anambra but across Nigeria. One where public service replaces slogans, and leaders win by doing, not just by declaring.
In the cultural spirit of the state, APGA likens Soludo’s entry into the campaign space to the majestic arrival of the Ijele masquerade—late, but commanding, regal, and impossible to ignore. Until then, let the warm-up dancers fill the square.
Because when the Ijele finally enters, Anambra may not just vote—it might dance to a whole new rhythm of politics rooted in progress.