Frustrated by the general opinion polls that Soludo-Ibezim (SICO) ticket is the consensus of Anambra people for the up-coming Gubernatorial election holding November 8, 2025, some candidates are beginning to show desperation with intent to distract or destroy.

The frustration has manifested in the recent despicable obscenities by one of the candidates who chose to deploy gutter expressions and attack on Governor Soludo.

But in a statement SICO said: ‘‘Our response is that we will remain razor-focused on the issues about the future of Anambra, and no number of fabricated obscenities can distract us.

‘‘We will not take the bait to get into the gutter with them. And we will not dignify them either.
‘‘However, part of the fundamental issues for every election is the qualification of the candidates to hold such office.

‘‘The Constitution of Nigeria prescribes a minimum academic qualification for the office of governor of a state. For Anambra, a state known for excellence and home to some of the most educated leaders Nigeria has ever had— Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Akwaeke Nwafor-Orizu, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Prof. Kenneth Dike, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Francis Cardinal Arinze, etc., it is an important issue in the choice of a governor.

‘‘The past civilian governors since 1999 include: Dr. Mbadinuju (PhD); Dr. Nwabueze Ngige (MBBS, UNN trained Medical Doctor); Mr. Peter Obi (B. Sc Philosophy, UNN); and Mr. Willie Obiano (B. Sc, MBA, University of Lagos).
‘‘Our current governor, Chukwuma Soludo who holds B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph. D Economics, from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is a globally acclaimed Professor of Economics, consultant, and technocrat with hundreds of international awards for excellent public service including the Financial Times of London/Banker award as best governor of the Central Bank in the world; the New African Magazine (London) recognition as one of the 100 most influential Africans, and even celebrated by his Alma Mater, UNN, at its 44th Founders’ Day as the University’s Most Distinguished alumnus.

‘‘His Deputy/Running Mate, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, is a Medical Doctor with accomplished public service. Together, both are leading a major social and economic transformation of Anambra State, and the evidence is clear. ‘‘Our campaign is rooted in over 120 sterling achievements of the Soludo-Ibezim administration in barely three years without borrowing, and a robust plan for the next four years.

‘‘With dozens of awards of excellence by newspapers, magazines, and institutions as well as endorsements by every stakeholder group in Anambra, Ndi Anambra are happy and clear about their choice.

‘‘The last bye election was a mock for the governorship, and APGA scored 75% of the votes. November will be even more emphatic.
‘‘Who are the other candidates/parties and their qualifications for office? From the forms filled by each candidate and submitted to INEC, we can confirm that the ticket of All Progressive Congress (APC)—Nicholas Ukachukwu/Uche Ekwunife – has the worst qualification for office of governor in the history of Anambra State.

‘‘Part of the ethical and moral rebirth that the Soludo-Ibezim administration is executing is to rid Anambra of Fake influences on our children/youths – influences that discourage hard work and enterprise and promote success by magical means. That is why we are pursuing fake native doctors (Okeite Dibias).

‘‘Those who pay and obtain fake degrees and parade fake titles are also bad influences on our children/youths. It matters more for people seeking to lead the State. That is the issue, and it remains a legitimate issue for the election.
‘‘As a Campaign Organization, we are focused on the future of Anambra. We do not take the support of Anambra people for granted.

‘‘We are working hard to earn every vote based upon the value that we have created and will still create for the people.

‘‘But the issue of who has the basic qualifications to govern Anambra will remain a legitimate issue in the campaign—both now and in the future. ‘‘Anambra is far too sophisticated to be governed by semi-illiterates, and/or people of easy virtues’’.