The Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Dr. Law Mefor, has described the just-concluded by-elections in Onitsha North 1 State Constituency and Anambra South Senatorial District as a vote of confidence on Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
Mefor said the outcome shows that Soludo has a clear path to re-election. “It was like a mock exam or a master of ceremonies testing the microphone in preparation for the main event,” he said.
“It was a landslide victory for Chief Emma Nwachukwu in the Anambra South Senatorial by-election, and the same walkover by Barrister Mimi Ikpeazu-Azikiwe in Onitsha North 1.
“APGA candidates taking about 70% of total valid votes was unexpected. Politicians in Anambra keep underestimating Governor Soludo to their peril.”
He added that Soludo approached the polls “as a consummate tactician and nonpareil war general.”
Internal party compliments
According to Mefor, the primaries that produced the APGA candidates reflected genuine internal democracy and elite consensus.
“Soludo led a united party to the polls. There was no bickering about preferential treatment. Both winners and losers worked for the victories,” he said.
“Incumbents go for re-election based on performance, and the by-elections were seen as test cases for Soludo’s achievements. Not even the most jaundiced of critics can deny his sterling performance.”
He pointed to Soludo’s “soaring accomplishments without borrowing” as a reason for widespread endorsements across the state.
People have spoken
Mefor said voters supported APGA candidates with overwhelming enthusiasm. “Call it people’s power at work,” he declared.
“The landmark transformation of Onitsha explains why the people voted APGA.
“There was no justification for asking the widow of the late Justice Azuka to succeed him, since elective positions are not family estates.”
On the Anambra South Senate seat, Mefor argued it was another proof of Soludo’s transformative leadership.
“The urban regeneration of Ekwulobia is a marvel celebrated beyond Anambra.
“Soludo has constructed dual carriageways connecting Anambra Central and South. The nursing school being built in Isuofia is almost ready for delivery,” he noted.
Tinubu-Soludo relationship at work
The Commissioner highlighted the bond between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Soludo under the “Progressives Working Together” ideology.
“Federal forces remained neutral and professional, especially the police, who contained thugs brought in to disrupt the by-elections,” he said.
Mefor insisted that the outcome points to Soludo’s re-election prospects in November.
“The November 8 governorship election becomes a fait accompli, barring all odds.
“A free and fair contest, as witnessed in the by-elections, will see Soludo winning a landslide re-election victory,” he said.
According to him, the “unbreakable bond” between Ndi Anambra and APGA makes the opposition “look very pathetic indeed.”
