By Our reporter
The political climate in Anambra State has become increasingly tense as Senator Uche Ekwunife, the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has responded strongly to allegations made by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo regarding the authenticity of her academic qualifications.
Governor Soludo had reportedly raised concerns over Ekwunife’s PhD, claiming that it was obtained from an unaccredited and unrecognized institution in the United States. In a video circulating online, Senator Ekwunife directly addressed the claims, challenging the governor to take legal action if he believes her credentials are fake.
Ekwunife stated that her academic history is verifiable and transparent. She affirmed that she earned her first degree from the University of Calabar and her Master’s degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University. She further noted that her PhD was obtained from Atlantic International University (AIU), a U.S.-based institution which, according to her team, is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC).
She criticized the governor for attempting to discredit her and accused him of weaponizing misinformation for political gain. Ekwunife insisted that rather than resorting to public mockery and baseless allegations, Soludo should take his grievances to court if he believes there is any substance to them.
Beyond the academic controversy, Ekwunife also took aim at Soludo’s administration, accusing him of failing the people of Anambra State. She expressed disappointment over what she described as a rapid decline in security and general public confidence since he assumed office. According to her, Anambra, once known for peace and commerce, has become a state riddled with violence and fear.
She referenced the killing of two House of Assembly members as evidence of the growing insecurity, adding that many residents and visitors now avoid the state due to the perceived danger. Ekwunife accused the governor of prioritizing political battles over the welfare and safety of the people.
Her response also took a personal turn, as she made harsh remarks about the governor’s hygiene and physical appearance. She labeled Soludo the “dirtiest governor in Africa,” going so far as to mock him publicly and urge his wife to buy him deodorant. The personal attack has since generated widespread attention and backlash, especially from Governor Soludo’s supporters.
In reaction to the comments, Soludo’s wife, Nonye Soludo, responded by urging Senator Ekwunife to focus on clearing the doubts surrounding her qualifications rather than resorting to insults. She distanced herself from the political altercation and called for a more respectful and issue-driven campaign season.
This unfolding controversy adds another layer of intensity to the political race in Anambra as the next gubernatorial election approaches. Senator Ekwunife, a former member of the National Assembly, is vying for the deputy governorship position under the APC, while Soludo is seeking to defend his tenure under the banner of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
As tensions rise, political observers and civil society groups are calling for a return to civility in public discourse. Many have urged both camps to focus on addressing real policy issues that affect the people of Anambra, rather than engaging in personal attacks that only serve to distract and divide.
