Chief Ikeotuonye
The people of Anambra State have high expectations for the upcoming November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election.
With Governor Charles Soludo’s administration under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) marking three years plus in office, many believe he is on track to win a second term due to his notable achievements by the assessment of his supporters.
But in some other quarters, the leadership pendulum swings towards the likes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Chief George Muoghalu and other governorship contenders who have variously won party primaries in their different political parties for the purposes of change and infusion of fresh blood in governance.
One of the major stakeholders in Anambra politics and former governorship candidate of the Africa Liberation Party (ALP) in the State, Chief Imoyeto Ikeotuonye has set a standard and articulated some of the key expectations and democracy dividends the winner of the forthcoming governorship election should prioritize.
The Nnewi-born politician said that the winner should focus on completing and expanding existing infrastructure projects, such as roads and public transportation, to enhance the quality of life for Anambra residents.
“Building on Soludo’s free education initiative, the next Governor, if any other political party takes over, should aim to further improve educational standards, ensuring Anambra remains a leader in this sector for sustainability.
“With the recent introduction of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law and the Special Security Operation, Udo Ga-Achi, the winner should build on these efforts and take a critical look at the operations of the security outfit to avoid political manipulations. This will help to maintain a safe and secure environment for citizens. Security of lives and property in the State must never be compromised.
“The next Governor should prioritize initiatives that stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation. The Governor should use massive job creation as a tool to fight crime in the State. This has worked in some other places across the country and it will work in Anambra.
” Improving healthcare facilities and social services, such as access to quality medical care and support for vulnerable populations, is crucial for the well-being of Anambra residents. This should not be a matter of choice but a matter of priority. This has to be anchored on the philosophy that a healthy State is a wealthy State. It has become necessary to fight mortality rate in the State, “Chief Ikeotuonye noted.
The former ALP governorship candidate in Anambra whose father was late Justice Ikeotuonye warned that these and other democracy dividends should never be compromised at the detriment of the electorate who expect nothing less than quality life coming from good governance.
“Ultimately, the winner will need to address these key areas to meet the expectations of the Anambra people and prior to the election results, candidate should make a firm promise and enter into a ‘Social Contract’ with the people in this regard without renege, “he concluded.
