As Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo plunges into what may become one of the most regrettable political miscalculations in Anambra’s democratic history, it is important to urgently address a troubling pattern of intolerance and political hostility.
What began as subtle jabs has now escalated into a series of coordinated and increasingly aggressive attacks targeting Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, a highly respected and accomplished political leader in Anambra State. These attacks have exposed not only a disturbing bias but also a dangerous disregard for democratic values.
The smear campaign, first pushed by anonymous social media accounts and now openly championed by Soludo’s media aide, Chinedu Obigwe, reflects an alarming trend of political suppression. Obigwe’s most recent comments, in which he labeled Senator Ekwunife’s lawful campaign activities as criminal, illustrate an attitude that is not only undemocratic but deeply troubling.
It is deeply concerning that a routine and legal effort to mobilize voters, particularly women, for her party, the APC, could be framed as a criminal act. In any functioning democracy, encouraging citizens to vote is not only permitted, it is encouraged. Redefining such civic engagement as wrongdoing is both absurd and dangerous.
This pattern of behavior, defamation, harassment, and public ridicule, appears to have the silent blessing of Governor Soludo, whose refusal to speak against these actions gives the impression of complicity. For someone who holds academic and leadership credentials, this silence is both disappointing and inappropriate.
Instead of focusing on delivering results for the people of Anambra, the governor seems obsessed with undermining Senator Ekwunife and the rising popularity of the APC’s joint ticket with Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu. His apparent anxiety over a female political opponent suggests a lack of confidence in his own record and strategy.
The repeated attacks on Senator Ekwunife, a private citizen not currently in government, further reveal a desperate effort to diminish the influence of a woman whose leadership, integrity, and development impact are widely acknowledged. The use of vile language and character insults, including crude remarks aimed at her womanhood, highlight a dangerous level of misogyny in Anambra’s political discourse.
Rather than engaging in meaningful debate or defending his record, Governor Soludo’s camp has chosen to degrade the public space with personal insults and smear tactics. One must ask: would the governor tolerate such treatment if it were directed at his wife, mother, or daughter? Why should the dignity of another woman be so casually undermined for political gain?
Moreover, comparisons between Senator Ekwunife and the governor’s wife have surfaced, with clear evidence showing that Ekwunife surpasses her by far in public service, political relevance, academic achievements, and community impact. These are verifiable facts, well known across the state.
Ironically, this same administration that demands exorbitant fees from opposition parties for political publicity is now trying to silence those very voices through targeted attacks and public shaming, simply for participating in the democratic process.
This is more than political rivalry; it is a calculated effort to silence a woman whose strength and achievements challenge the status quo. It also reflects the systemic barriers women in Nigerian politics continue to face, where competence is often met with contempt instead of respect.
Senator Ekwunife has shown remarkable restraint in the face of relentless provocation. But there comes a time when silence must give way to a firm stand for dignity and justice.
If Governor Soludo chooses to continue misusing his office and manipulating public narratives to score cheap political points, he may find that he is doing more damage to his own reputation and legacy than to anyone else’s.
The women of Anambra, and indeed all well-meaning citizens, must rise to reject this culture of targeted harassment and misrepresentation. The people deserve better than insults, distractions, and petty vendettas. Leadership is not proven by office alone, but by conduct, accountability, and respect for democratic norms.
Signed:
Tony Ezike
Special Adviser on Media & Publicity
