In  assessing of the dynamics likely to  shape Anambra State’s November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election, few ventures are as audacious as challenging an incumbent governor with the institutional advantages of office at their disposal. Yet Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu’s decision to fly the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag in Anambra State’s November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election represents precisely such a calculated political gambit—one that could potentially rewrite the narrative of power in Nigeria’s southeast heartland.

The former Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairman’s emergence as the APC standard bearer signals more than just another electoral contest; it embodies a strategic repositioning that could offer Ndi Anambra a compelling alternative to Governor Charles Soludo’s administration, which has presented a curious paradox of missed opportunities alongside selective achievements.

Ukachukwu’s political trajectory reflects the sophistication often required to navigate Nigeria’s complex electoral landscape. His background as a former AMAC chairman provides him with executive experience at a significant administrative level, he also spent four years as a Rep member from 1999 to 2003. His decision to align with the ruling APC demonstrates acute political awareness of federal dynamics. This is not the profile of a political neophyte stumbling into the governorship contest, but rather a calculated positioning by someone who understands that modern Nigerian politics increasingly rewards federal alignment over purely regional and ethnic considerations.

The strategic brilliance of Ukachukwu’s approach becomes even more apparent in his choice of running mate. By selecting Senator Uche Ekwunife, a seasoned female politician with substantial political capital and proven electoral success, Ukachukwu has demonstrated the kind of political acumen that contradicts simplistic narratives about his falsely alleged supposed lack of experience. Ekwunife’s inclusion brings gender balance, regional representation, and most importantly, the kind of political gravitas that can mobilize diverse constituencies across Anambra’s complex political terrain.

This ticket composition reveals a sophisticated understanding of Anambra’s political dynamics. It signals to voters that this is not merely a personal ambition project, but a carefully constructed political alliance designed to bring different streams of experience and influence to bear on the state’s governance challenges. The combination of Ukachukwu’s executive background and Ekwunife’s legislative experience and political networks creates a complementary skill set that could appeal to voters not only  seeking comprehensive leadership but also a credible alternative to the ruling party.

 Soludo’s Paradox: Resources Without Proportionate Results

The current administration under Professor Charles Soludo presents one of the most intriguing paradoxes in contemporary Nigerian governance. Despite receiving what is arguably the highest allocation of funds in Anambra State’s history since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, the administration has struggled to demonstrate commensurate value for these unprecedented financial resources.

This financial reality creates a particularly potent campaign issue for opposition candidates like Ukachukwu. When an administration receives historic levels of funding yet citizens continue to grapple with basic infrastructure deficits, security challenges, and economic stagnation, it raises fundamental questions about resource management and prioritization. The disconnect between resource availability and visible impact provides opposition candidates with concrete talking points that resonate with ordinary citizens who experience daily reminders of unmet needs despite knowledge that significant funds have been allocated for state development.

The issue becomes more pronounced when considered against the backdrop of citizens’ expectations. Anambra people, known for their entrepreneurial spirit and high achievement orientation, naturally expect that increased funding should translate into accelerated development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced quality of life. When these expectations remain unmet despite resource availability, it creates political vulnerability that skilled opposition candidates can exploit.

Soludo’s administration has not been without achievements, and it would be unfair to characterize it as entirely unsuccessful. However, the fundamental question remains whether the achievements delivered justify the unprecedented resources available to the government. This cost-benefit analysis will likely become central to campaign discourse as the November election approaches.

The Security Crisis: A Governance Litmus Test

Perhaps nowhere is the gap between resources and results more starkly evident than in Anambra State’s persistent security challenges. Despite the administration’s launch of various security initiatives, including the recent “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” and the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025, the state continues to grapple with significant security concerns that have contributed to capital flight and economic uncertainty.

The security situation in Anambra represents more than just a public safety concern; it constitutes a fundamental test of governance effectiveness. When businesses relocate due to security concerns, when investors hesitate to commit resources because of safety considerations, and when citizens modify their daily routines around security calculations, it indicates a failure of one of government’s most basic responsibilities—providing security for life and property.

The administration’s response to security challenges, while demonstrating awareness of the problem, also reveals the limitations of reactive approaches. The establishment of security committees, the launch of operations with dramatic names, and the passage of security laws all indicate recognition of the severity of the situation. However, these measures also suggest that previous approaches were inadequate, raising questions about the administration’s strategic planning and implementation capabilities.

The economic implications of insecurity cannot be overstated. Capital flight represents more than just immediate economic loss; it signals declining confidence in the state’s trajectory. When businesses relocate or when potential investors choose alternative locations due to security concerns, it creates a negative feedback loop that can persist long after security conditions improve. The challenge for any administration is not just addressing current security problems but rebuilding the confidence necessary to attract and retain economic activity.

For opposition candidates like Ukachukwu, the security situation provides both an opportunity and a challenge. It offers a clear area where they can critique current performance while proposing alternative approaches. However, it also requires them to present credible alternatives that convince voters they can deliver better results than the incumbent administration.

## Political Acumen and Strategic Positioning

The suggestion that Ukachukwu lacks the political acumen to challenge an incumbent reflects a superficial understanding of contemporary Nigerian politics. His decision to contest under the APC platform, rather than seeking to challenge from a smaller party with limited federal connections, demonstrates precisely the kind of strategic thinking required in modern Nigerian electoral politics.

The reality of Nigerian federalism is that state governments increasingly depend on federal relationships for success. This includes not just financial allocations, which constitute a major portion of state revenues, but also cooperation on security matters, infrastructure projects, and policy implementation. Governors who maintain adversarial relationships with the federal government often find themselves constrained in their ability to deliver for their constituents, regardless of their personal capabilities or intentions.

Ukachukwu’s APC affiliation positions him to potentially leverage federal relationships in ways that could benefit Anambra State. This is not merely about party politics; it’s about practical governance in a federal system where cooperation between different levels of government can significantly impact policy outcomes. His background as a former AMAC chairman also suggests familiarity with federal administrative processes and relationships that could prove valuable in navigating federal-state dynamics.

The inclusion of Senator Ekwunife as his running mate further reinforces this strategic approach. Ekwunife brings not only her own political base and experience but also established relationships within the nation’s political firmament that could contribute decisively to victory for the APC.  This kind of strategic alliance building indicates sophisticated political planning rather than the amateurish approach sometimes attributed to opposition candidates.

Critics who dismiss Ukachukwu’s political credentials may be underestimating both his individual capabilities and the broader political coalition he has assembled. Modern electoral success often depends less on individual charisma and more on the ability to build effective political organizations and strategic alliances, traits he much posseses in abundance

The Federal Alignment Question: Soludo’s Tactical Shift

Perhaps the most revealing aspect of the current political dynamic in Anambra is Governor Soludo’s apparent attempt to forge closer relationships with the Tinubu-led APC federal government. This tactical shift, if accurately characterized, represents a significant departure from his previous positioning and raises important questions about political consistency and strategic planning.

The irony of this situation is particularly striking when considered against historical precedent. In 2023, when such alignment might have been more naturally pursued, Soludo appeared to maintain distance from the APC then.  His current apparent interest in rapprochement suggests either a change in political calculation or a recognition that his previous approach may have been strategically disadvantageous.

This situation recalls the fate of the five Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors in 2003, who lost their states partly because they naively believed that then-President Olusegun Obasanjo would prioritize their personal relationships over his party’s institutional interests. The lesson from that episode was clear: in Nigerian politics, party loyalty and institutional relationships often trump personal agreements, particularly during electoral seasons.

However, Soludo’s supporters might point to President Goodluck Jonathan and how he occasionally prioritized personal relationships over party considerations, this approach contributed to internal party conflicts that ultimately weakened his political position when he faced the opposition in 2015 and lost. The negative consequences of such an approach may have provided important lessons for subsequent political leaders, including President Tinubu.

The question for President Tinubu is whether accommodating Soludo’s newfound interest in federal cooperation would serve the APC’s long-term interests or whether it would represent the kind of strategic error that has plagued previous administrations. Given Anambra’s significance in national politics and the broader implications of electoral outcomes in the Southeast, President Tinubu may be reluctant to compromise his party’s chances for the sake of accommodating a governor who previously showed little interest in such cooperation.

This dynamic creates an interesting political situation where Soludo’s apparent weakness in seeking federal accommodation could potentially benefit opposition candidates like Ukachukwu, who can present themselves as offering more genuine and consistent federal alignment. The contrast between Soludo’s current tactical shifts and Ukachukwu’s ambition  may resonate with voters who value political consistency and strategic clarity.

The Electoral Mathematics: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the touted fake alliance between Soludo and President Tinubu, Ukachukwu’s path to victory remains solid. Yes, Incumbent governors possess significant advantages, including control over state resources, existing administrative networks, and the ability to influence electoral processes through their official positions. These institutional advantages cannot be dismissed, regardless of policy disagreements or political calculations, nevertheless Ukachukwu’s bold entrance and the possession of vital structures as well as cordial relationships with Anambra’s power base, intelligentsia , traditional rulers and the Catholic, Anglican and pentescostal faiths is indeed significant if not crucial for his success and that of the APC

Again, several factors could work in Ukachukwu’s favor. The security situation provides a concrete area where citizens can evaluate incumbent performance and consider alternatives. The resource-to-results gap offers another tangible campaign issue that resonates with voters’ daily experiences. Most importantly, the federal alignment question provides Ukachukwu with a structural advantage that could prove decisive in a close contest.

The timing of the election also presents opportunities. By November 2025, citizens will have had additional months to assess the Soludo administration’s performance, particularly in addressing security challenges and demonstrating value for the significant resources at its disposal. If current trends continue, these additional months could work against the incumbent.

National Implications and Strategic Considerations

The Anambra gubernatorial election carries implications that extend far beyond state boundaries. As one of the key states in Nigeria’s Southeast region, Anambra’s political direction could influence broader national political dynamics, particularly regarding the APC’s efforts to establish stronger footing in the Southeast.

For President Tinubu and the APC, supporting Ukachukwu’s candidacy represents an opportunity to demonstrate the party’s commitment to national expansion and inclusion. Success in Anambra could provide the APC with a significant Southeast base that could prove valuable in future national elections. Conversely, failing to support their candidate adequately could send negative signals about the party’s commitment to non-southwestern states and act as a clog in the wheel of President Tinubu ‘s reelection prospects.

 Conclusion: The Long Game in Nigerian Politics

The observation that “a day is indeed a long enough period in Nigerian politics” reflects the inherent unpredictability of electoral contests in Nigeria’s dynamic political environment. Unexpected developments, last-minute alliances, and unforeseen events can dramatically alter electoral calculations even in the final weeks before voting.

However, ignoring Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu’s candidacy would represent a significant miscalculation for any serious political observer or participant. His strategic positioning with the APC, his choice of running mate, and the structural challenges facing the incumbent administration combine to create a genuinely competitive electoral environment.

The ultimate test will be whether Ukachukwu and his political organization can convert these favorable conditions into actual votes on election day. This requires not just strong political positioning but also effective campaign organization, resource mobilization, and the ability to maintain momentum through the inevitable challenges of a competitive campaign.

For Ndi Anambra, the November 8, 2025 election presents an opportunity to evaluate different approaches to state governance and development. The choice between continuity with the current administration and the alternative offered by Ukachukwu will ultimately reflect citizens’ assessment of which option offers the best prospects for addressing the state’s challenges and realizing its potential.

While it may not yet be “uhuru” for Ukachukwu, his candidacy has already succeeded in creating a competitive political environment that should ultimately benefit Anambra State regardless of the outcome. Competitive elections encourage better performance from all participants and ensure that citizens have meaningful choices in determining their political future.

The success or failure of Ukachukwu’s gubernatorial ambition will likely be determined by factors that are still evolving—the administration’s success in addressing security challenges, economic conditions during the campaign period, the effectiveness of different campaign organizations, and the countless unpredictable factors that influence electoral outcomes in Nigeria’s vibrant democracy.

What is already clear is that Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu has positioned himself as a serious contender in what promises to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched gubernatorial elections in 2025. Whether this positioning translates into electoral success remains to be seen, but dismissing his prospects would be both premature and potentially costly for those who underestimate the dynamics reshaping Anambra’s political landscape.

Igboeli Arinze writes from Abagana