As Anambra State edges into one of its most volatile political seasons ahead of the November 8 governorship election, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has come under fire for what many describe as gutter-level politics and reckless abuse of power.

The re-election–seeking governor, flying the flag of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has openly vowed to “destroy the reputation” of Senator Uche Ekwunife, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship candidate, while publicly ridiculing Labour Party’s George Moghalu.

Through his Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Adichie Izuchukwu, Soludo declared that a coordinated social media campaign had been launched to permanently “damage Uche Ekwunife’s political career.”

Izuchukwu, who boasts fewer than 30 followers online, wrote over the weekend on behalf of the governor:

“Dancing to the gods because I know, I will use my 30k followers to damage Uche Ekwunife’s political career beyond repair!”

The brazen comments triggered a wave of condemnation, with critics accusing Soludo of dragging Anambra’s politics into the mud.

Chinedu Chukwuna said:
“Such an unfortunate statement. The internet never forgets.”

Elobig Cyprian wrote:

“It’s laughable to hear someone boast about destroying Uche Ekwunife’s political career. Uche is a big fish in Nigerian politics, a woman who built her name through resilience and impact. Even Soludo himself knows her weight and fears her influence. True leadership is not about pulling others down but about building the people up. Anambra needs progress, not threats.”

Ndubest Jerry added:

“You guys have shown that Iyom is Soludo’s nightmare. Continue we are watching as you promote Amazon.”

The outburst follows weeks of sustained character assassination. Soludo and his aides previously accused Ekwunife of parading a “fake PhD certificate.” The governor claimed:

“What this means is that she does not have a diploma, a degree or a master’s degree, but jumped to present a PhD. That is wrong.”

Critics say the governor’s fixation on Ekwunife’s academic records betrays his fear of her rising influence and grassroots appeal.

Mockery of Moghalu

But Soludo’s attacks did not stop there. At a Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria rally in Awka, he openly mocked George Moghalu of the Labour Party.

“There’s somebody I saw when I was coming in… my brother George Moghalu, you’re welcome. I heard they said you’re contesting for something (laughs hysterically). But don’t worry, after you’re done struggling in vain you’ll still come back to me.”

Observers say this arrogance reflects a governor intoxicated by power, who, rather than addressing insecurity and poverty plaguing Anambra, chooses to ridicule opponents.

Civil society groups respond

Civil society organizations, including the South East Patriots, have slammed Soludo’s utterances, describing them as “infantile character assassination” at a time the state is reeling from violence and gross human rights violations.

Since Soludo launched his controversial Agunechemba vigilante outfit, reports of extrajudicial killings, extortion, abductions, and assaults have multiplied.

In July, operatives allegedly stripped and brutalized NYSC corps member Jennifer Edema. Communities such as Ogboji and Ogidi have recorded deadly attacks, yet critics say Soludo spends more time trading insults than fixing security.

Obunike Ohaegbu, Convener of the South East Patriots, condemned the governor’s actions:

“As a sitting governor with full access to official channels of verification, he could have quietly investigated Senator Ekwunife’s credentials. Instead, he chose the path of public demonisation.”

Analysts warn of backlash

Political analysts argue that Soludo’s threats to destroy Ekwunife’s reputation show how rattled he has become by her rising profile.

Paul Akabueze, Coordinator of Citizens Round Table, a civil society group, warned that the Governor’s arrogance and smear tactics could alienate voters wary of insecurity, economic hardship, and failed promises.