All Eyes on Anambra as Voters Decide Governor Soludo’s Fate

Anambra State is preparing for a major political event as voters go to the polls on Saturday to choose their next governor. 

The election will decide whether the people will give Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) another term or hand power to one of his challengers from other political parties.

Political observers say the outcome of the election will depend largely on eight key local government areas that have the highest number of registered voters. These areas are expected to play an important role in deciding who wins the contest.

Idemili North tops the list with 246,318 registered voters, making it the most influential area. It is followed by Awka South with 217,611 voters, and Ogbaru with 188,016. 

Onitsha North also has a strong voter base with 183,647 registered voters. Onitsha South, a busy urban area with many non-indigenes, has 168,575 voters and is also expected to be a battleground.

Ihiala, which has faced insecurity problems in the past due to separatist activities, has 156,715 voters. 

Aguata, the home of Governor Soludo, follows with 155,881 registered voters. Although it is the governor’s home area, it ranks eighth in voter population.

Other important areas include Anaocha, which has 124,075 registered voters and is the home of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. 

Nnewi North, where the Labour Party’s governorship candidate George Moghalu comes from, has 166,400 voters. 

Nearby Nnewi South, the home of the APC candidate Nicholas Ukachukwu, has 102,907 voters.

Anaocha, Njikoka, and Dunukofia—areas once represented by Senator Uche Ekwunife—collectively have 326,655 registered voters, making them another region to watch closely.

In Anambra North, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate, Sir Paul Chukwuma, is expected to make an impact. Both Chukwuma and Senator Tony Nwoye, who represents Anambra North under the Labour Party, come from Anambra East, which has 110,482 voters. Nwoye is expected to support his party’s candidate during the election.

Other strategic areas include Ayamelum with 96,947 voters, Anambra West with 71,332, and Oyi with 120,717 voters.

With voter strength spread across different regions, the election will be a true test of grassroots support, political structure, and loyalty. 

Many believe the Anambra race will be one of the most competitive and closely watched in Nigeria this year.