(DDM) – Civil rights groups have issued stern warnings to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, over alleged plans to use smear campaigns against Senator Uche Ekwunife ahead of the November 2025 gubernatorial election.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that concerns mounted after reports surfaced of a top aide to the governor vowing to unleash coordinated online attacks to damage Ekwunife’s political career.
The revelation, which quickly sparked outrage, has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy networks who argue that such tactics undermine democratic values and could further alienate an already disenchanted electorate.
Paul Akabueze, spokesperson of the Citizens Round Table (CRT), condemned the remarks as “arrogant and reckless,” warning that the strategy could backfire badly.
According to him, ordinary voters are more worried about insecurity, collapsing infrastructure, and worsening economic hardship than online propaganda wars.
“The governor should fix roads, improve security, and restore confidence. Demonising opponents is not governance. It is desperation,” Akabueze said.
Similarly, the South East Patriots (SEP), a regional pressure group, described the threats as “infantile character assassination.” Convener Obunike Ohaegbu urged Soludo to focus on delivering credible policies instead of running a campaign of blackmail.
“If there are allegations against Senator Ekwunife, the right thing is to investigate discreetly, not to embark on public smear campaigns that polarise the state,” he added.
DDM notes that Senator Uche Ekwunife, a seasoned politician and two-term lawmaker, has emerged as one of the strongest challengers in the forthcoming polls.
Popularly known as “Iyom,” Ekwunife has built a reputation for grassroots mobilisation, especially among women and youth groups, which could make her a formidable opponent to Soludo’s re-election bid under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Observers say the timing of the alleged smear campaign is particularly sensitive. Anambra has in recent years battled political distrust, worsening insecurity linked to sit-at-home orders, and a struggling economy.
Civil society leaders warn that further polarisation through hate campaigns could inflame tensions and distract from pressing governance issues.
Political analysts also point out that smear politics has historically backfired in Nigeria. In past elections, candidates who relied heavily on character assassination often lost public sympathy, as voters preferred issue-based campaigns.
By resorting to online propaganda, critics argue Soludo risks alienating undecided voters who already doubt his administration’s performance on security, infrastructure, and economic growth.
DDM recalls that Governor Soludo came into office in 2022 with a promise of “disruptive change,” vowing to transform Anambra into a modern economic hub.
However, his administration has since faced criticism over poor road projects, weak education outcomes, and what many describe as worsening insecurity.
The recent 2025 State Performance Index by Phillips Consulting Limited (PCL) ranked Anambra among the lowest in security, education, and healthcare, further amplifying doubts about his re-election prospects.
Civil rights advocates insist that instead of silencing opponents with smear campaigns, Soludo should open constructive debates on governance. “The people deserve a governor who can defend his record, not one who hides behind aides to insult challengers,” Ohaegbu said.
As campaigns heat up, all eyes remain on how the governor will respond to the warnings. For now, the controversy underscores growing fears that Anambra’s upcoming polls could be marred by online toxicity rather than policy-driven dialogue.
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