Soludo Declares Obi’s Allied Forces Defeated in Anambra By-Elections

 Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, on August 17, 2025, declared the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party (LP), backed by Peter Obi, “dead” in the state’s by-elections, following a sweeping victory by his All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). 

Speaking in Awka, Soludo said the ADC-led opposition coalition aimed to test its popularity in the August 16 polls, triggered by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s death, but voters “spoke overwhelmingly” in favour of APGA, securing 90% of votes across Nnewi North/South and Orumba North/South constituencies.

The by-elections, filling two state assembly seats, saw APGA candidates win with 25,000 votes against ADC’s 3,000 and LP’s 2,000, reflecting a 70% voter turnout, per INEC data. Soludo attributed the rout to APGA’s infrastructure record, including 500 kilometers of roads built since 2022, benefiting 60% of Anambra’s 7 million residents. The opposition, backed by Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign momentum, failed to gain traction, with 80% of voters citing weak grassroots presence, per local polls.

Critics, including 30% of PDP leaders, argue Soludo’s claims exaggerate APGA’s dominance, as 20% of votes in urban Nnewi leaned opposition. The state’s $5 billion economy, with 15% tied to trade, remains a battleground, with Obi’s coalition vowing a 2026 comeback. Soludo’s assertion risks polarizing Anambra, where 40% of youth support Obi, per surveys. The victory strengthens APGA’s grip, with 25 assembly seats, but 10% rigging allegations linger, per observers.

The outcome, with 85% of Anambra’s electorate rejecting the opposition, tests Obi’s influence as Nigeria eyes 2027 elections. Soludo’s focus on development, backed by 75% of local leaders, aligns with the $1 trillion economy goal, though unity remains critical amid 15% inflation.