ANAMBRA POLITICS AND DIGNITY OF OUR CULTURE; A For Decorum And Issue-Based Campaign. ‎By: Ichie Ifeanyi Ndulue (Chief Onyima Enugwu-Agidi)

As the political temperature in Anambra State continues to rise ahead of November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election, I feel compelled as a son of the soil, a custodian of our cultural values, and an active participant in our democratic journey, to offer my candid opinion on the disturbing trend in the ongoing public exchanges between two notable political figures, His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, and Distinguished Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife.

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‎While robust debates and healthy competition are the hallmarks of every thriving democracy, it is disheartening that what ought to be a contest of ideas has degenerated into a battle of insults, personal attacks, and unfortunate drags of family members into the political crossfire. The recent social media banters and public utterances between these two leaders have not only derailed from issue-based campaigns, but have also struck a blow at the cultural fabric that holds us together as Ndi Anambra and Ndigbo at large.
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‎Governor Soludo, a man of high academic and administrative pedigree, should ideally elevate the tone of this election with his intellect, experience, and vision for Anambra State. However, he has been repeatedly criticized for resorting to personal attacks, most notably in his past public spat with former Governor Peter Obi, a man widely regarded for his outstanding legacy and disciplined governance. That same combative tone has now been extended to Senator Ekwunife, in a fashion that does not do justice to the office he occupies.
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‎On the other hand, Senator Uche Ekwunife, whose political journey has been long and eventful, must also be reminded that respect remains a pillar of our heritage. As someone who played an active role in the 2011 campaign of Hon. Chief Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo (Onyendozi), whom I served diligently during his first term in the House of Representatives, I witnessed firsthand the type of verbal attacks and uncouth expressions Senator Ekwunife often deployed against her opponents. Such conduct was again on display during the 2019 general elections when she went after respected elder statesman, Senator Dr. Victor Umeh. Her words then and now raise serious questions about the boundaries of political expression, especially as it concerns respect for elders and the cultural ethos of the Igbo people.
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‎Equally troubling is the trend of weaponizing gender in political narratives. Leadership is a function of character and competence, not gender. Attempts to shield unbecoming behavior under the cloak of gender victimhood only undermine the genuine efforts of credible women seeking leadership based on merit.
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‎It is on this note that I strongly condemn the ongoing personality attacks and call for immediate restraint. Political campaigns must not be reduced to markets of abuse or theatres of drama. Let the conversation return to the core: What plans do you have for education? For infrastructure? For youth development? For healthcare and the economic growth of Anambra State?
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‎As a lover of culture and tradition, and as Ichie Onyima Enugwu-Agidi, I call upon all political stakeholders in Anambra State, the traditional institutions, elders, party leaders, religious leaders, youth, and the media to rise to the occasion. Let us protect the dignity of our politics by upholding our cherished Igbo values of respect, moderation in speech, and responsibility in leadership.
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‎This election presents an opportunity for Ndi Anambra to choose their path forward. Let us not allow personal vendettas to stain the soul of our politics.
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‎Long live Anambra State.
‎Long live the Igbo nation.
‎Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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‎ _About the Author:
‎Ichie Ifeanyi Ndulue is a respected cultural custodian and community leader,  popularly known as Chief Onyima Enugwu-Agidi. He served as an aide to Hon. Chief Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo during his tenure in the National Assembly and remains a vocal advocate for responsible leadership and cultural preservation in Igbo land._