Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the November 8 Anambra governorship election, has boldly declared that the upcoming by-elections in the state will serve as a clear demonstration of the party’s growing influence and dominance. Speaking in Awka, during a meeting with market union leaders who have endorsed his candidacy, Ukachukwu made it clear that the APC is already in control of Anambra and is set to consolidate its position through the upcoming elections.
Ukachukwu emphasized that the by-elections for the Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 State Constituency, scheduled for August 16, are pivotal for the APC. These elections will fill the vacancies left by deceased lawmakers, and Ukachukwu sees them as a critical opportunity to showcase the APC’s strength in the state.
“We will use the August 16 by-elections to show Soludo that Anambra is APC territory. I come from the same zone, and after that election, we will know who is in charge of Anambra,” Ukachukwu declared. He framed the by-elections as a critical test of the APC’s influence ahead of the November governorship election.
The APC candidate also took aim at the current administration, accusing Governor Charles Soludo of neglecting the state’s largest economic group—traders. “If Soludo meant well for Anambra people, the first people to take care of are traders. How can I be governor and NAFDAC will shut down a market in my state for months? That can’t happen,” Ukachukwu said.
Promising to prioritize the welfare of traders, Ukachukwu pledged to establish a loan fund that would provide traders with single-digit interest financing. He intends to leverage the government’s credit capacity to support small businesses, ensuring that Anambra’s economic backbone is protected and nurtured.
In addition to supporting traders, Ukachukwu vowed to tackle what he described as the harassment by revenue agents. He promised to introduce collaborative tax policies that would end the burdensome practices faced by traders and other small businesses in the state.
Ukachukwu also shared his vision for a practical, experience-driven administration. “Once I become governor, my commissioner for trade and commerce must be a trader. I’m a trader myself, and I’m proud of my background,” he said, signaling his commitment to a government that truly understands the challenges faced by everyday citizens.
As the August by-elections approach, Ukachukwu’s words underscore the political battle for Anambra, with the APC staking its claim as the dominant party in the state. The outcome of these elections is likely to set the tone for the larger battle in November, as Ukachukwu aims to prove that the APC is the future of Anambra governance.
