African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Chioma Ifemeludike, has strongly criticised the state of governance in Anambra, lamenting that the lives of residents “haven’t mattered” under the current administration led by Governor Charles Soludo.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, the 36-year-old actress and activist said that the state has suffered neglect in key areas, particularly in security, and that her administration would bring the needed change if elected.
“For me, there is so much to be done in Anambra State, and we haven’t seen it under Professor Soludo’s leadership,” she said. “Especially in security, there were so many deaths that could have been averted. When human lives are concerned, the government’s primary duty should be to protect its people. With all the allocations and internally generated revenue, people’s lives should matter.”
Ifemeludike condemned the surge in insecurity across Anambra, citing multiple incidents of killings and kidnappings. She recalled several cases where citizens were shot or abducted in broad daylight despite ransom payments, including the killing of a young boy, Emmanuel Chinyecherem Igwe.
“People were shot in broad daylight, kidnapped, ransom paid, and still killed. A young boy, Emmanuel Chinyecherem Igwe, was slaughtered like an animal. I even protested at the government house over it,” she said. “We cannot sit back and watch things like this happen in the 21st century. Are we waiting for the US to come and save Anambra State? It doesn’t make any sense.”
Ifemeludike, who has been vocal about social and political issues, vowed to overhaul the state’s security architecture if elected governor. She pledged to scrap the existing vigilance group known as Agwunechemba and replace it with a more structured and accountable security framework.
“I’ll scrap it [Agwunechemba] because it’s not effective. They had their chance, and they failed,” she said. “I’ll adopt a new framework, recruit personnel from their local communities, register them under government supervision, and ensure proper training. It makes a difference when locals protect their people.”
When asked about her chances in the election and her perceived lack of political popularity, the AAC candidate dismissed such concerns, saying that leadership is about intent and purpose, not fame.
“From the beginning, people questioned my popularity. But I believe leadership is not about popularity; it’s about purpose, intent, and passion to rescue my people,” she said. “It’s about the message that resonates and stands the test of time.”
Ifemeludike said her eight-point agenda was designed to transform Anambra into a “beacon of progress, prosperity, and good governance in Nigeria.” Her running mate, Kingsley Mgbemena, will serve alongside her if she emerges victorious.
Meanwhile, preparations for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra have reached advanced stages. The Commissioner of Police for election duty, Abayomi Shogunle, on Thursday assured residents that security agencies were fully ready to secure both land and riverine areas during the poll.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also seen at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Awka, collecting sensitive materials under the supervision of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Queen Agwu. Party agents, journalists, and observers were present during the exercise, though the officials reportedly arrived later than the scheduled 10 a.m.
INEC disclosed that 2,802,790 registered voters are expected to participate in the election across 5,718 polling units in 21 local government areas. Sixteen candidates are contesting the poll, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), George Moghalu (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor (PDP).
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to deliver a credible, peaceful, and transparent election, warning against vote-buying and electoral violence. He also stated that elections would not be conducted in two polling units due to the absence of registered voters.
What you should know
Chioma Ifemeludike, an actress and activist, is contesting as the AAC governorship candidate in Anambra.
Her campaign centers on security reform and accountable governance, with strong criticism of Governor Soludo’s administration. She promises to scrap the current vigilance group, Agwunechemba, and implement a locally driven security framework.
