Awka, Anambra State — Ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) support group, Anambra Patriots for Soludo (APS), has called on non-indigenes residing in the state to back Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election bid.
The endorsement was announced during a rally organised by the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State at the International Convention Centre, Awka, on Tuesday. The association comprises Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, Edo, Igala, and Akwa Ibom/Cross River communities, among others.
The event saw participants unanimously endorsing Soludo for continuity, citing his “all-inclusive governance” and people-oriented policies.
In his address, the National Convener of APS, Okey Ezeibe, praised Soludo’s leadership, describing him as a visionary governor whose administration has brought measurable socio-economic transformation to the state.
“The decision to support the governor’s second-term bid is not only based on his commendable performance in the past three and a half years but also on the evidence-based development strides that have redefined governance in Anambra State,” Ezeibe said. He urged non-indigenes to sustain their support by voting en masse during the polls.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy National Director of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Siriki Fulani of Awka, Alhaji Gidado Siddikki, commended Soludo’s inclusive leadership. He lauded the governor’s efforts to bridge infrastructural gaps and improve the welfare of both indigenes and non-indigenes.
“Governor Soludo has demonstrated genuine commitment to fairness and development for all. He deserves the chance to complete the good works he has started,” Siddikki said.
In his response, Governor Soludo expressed gratitude for the endorsement and reiterated his belief in national unity and inclusive governance. He emphasised that Anambra State remains home to all Nigerians, regardless of origin.
“Once you live in Anambra, you are from Anambra and treated equally,” Soludo declared. “The stanza of our national anthem that says ‘In brotherhood we stand’ must not be mere words we must live it daily.”
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the governor noted that over 8,000 teachers were recruited within his first nine months in office, with successful candidates drawn from 18 states. He also cited ongoing initiatives such as free education in public primary and secondary schools, as well as free antenatal and delivery care for pregnant women.
“These services are for everybody, no matter where you are from,” Soludo said, stressing that inclusivity remains the foundation of his government’s policies.
The governor further encouraged residents to actively participate in the forthcoming election. “Wherever you live should be your home. It is the duty of every citizen to vote come November 8,” he said.
Soludo also applauded citizens’ involvement in campaign efforts, revealing that many supporters have voluntarily contributed to his re-election drive. “This is the first time in Anambra where the people themselves are taking ownership of the campaign. We are still at the beginning of building the Anambra of our dreams,” he stated.
The rally drew a large turnout of APGA supporters, community leaders, and top government officials, all expressing confidence in Soludo’s leadership and commitment to inclusive development.