The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has declared that his emergence was a reflection of the people’s will and not the influence of political godfathers, stressing that he is the candidate grounded in grassroots connection and credibility.
Speaking shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return from the APC, Ukachukwu stated that his victory in the party’s primary election was the outcome of a deliberate engagement with party members across wards and local government areas who desired a leader with both vision and capacity to win the November 8 poll.
“This is not about imposition. This is not godfather politics. I went to the people, the real party men and women on the ground. They looked me in the eye and asked if I truly wanted to deliver Anambra. When I told them yes, they said, ‘We are running with you.’ These are councillors, LG chairmen, commissioners and board members — that is the kind of trust I earned,” Ukachukwu said.
He dismissed insinuations that he is positioning himself as a political godfather in Anambra, noting instead that he has only supported and contributed to the emergence of past governors out of genuine commitment to the state’s progress.
“People misunderstood what I said. I’m not claiming to be a godfather. What I said was that no governor has emerged in Anambra without my support. From Mbadinuju to Ngige, Obi, Obiano, and even Soludo — I played critical roles. For Obiano, it was in my house that the Anglican Church endorsed him. That’s not godfatherism, that’s influence built on integrity and consistency,” he explained.
On what he would do differently from the incumbent, Ukachukwu highlighted his track record of community development and youth empowerment, noting that he personally funded major road projects and owns twelve industries across Anambra State.
“I was once the second largest employer of labour after the government. I have raised over 200 graduates and invested heavily in infrastructure. I know what it means to come from a humble background and rise. My governance will reflect that — practical development, not just rhetoric,” he assured.
Responding to claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may support the incumbent, Ukachukwu waved off the assertion, saying the president remains a true party man committed to fairness.
“Why is the governor relying on the centre if APGA is truly popular? Soludo has never stood for election without the backing of incumbency. This time, he will test his real popularity. Don’t forget, Mbadinuju did one term. What makes Soludo different?” he said.
He also revealed that reconciliation efforts are underway within the APC, noting that former rivals from the primary race have begun to align with his campaign.
“One of my fellow aspirants is even going to chair our reconciliation committee. We are building a united front. Even the PDP candidate was in APGA. Movement across parties is not new. The important thing is that Anambra needs someone with the capacity to lead — and I am that person,” Ukachukwu declared.
As the November 8 governorship election approaches, Ukachukwu has positioned himself as a formidable challenger, banking on his grassroots appeal, business record, and political experience to wrest power from the incumbent.
