Ahead of the 2025 Anambra State governorship election, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has fallen behind Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, as the preferred choice of the electorates. A latest opinion polls tagged Anambra Opinion Polls (AOP), reveals.
The poll results, unveiled today in Abuja, indicate a major shift in voter sentiment, placing Umeoji as the clear frontrunner with a commanding lead of 54.6%, while Soludo trails significantly at 22.3%.
The poll results were presented by Tabuko Kennedy, Director General of the Nigeria Democratic Research Institute (NDRI), and Prof. Chika Udeh, Executive Director of the Anambra Policy and Governance Research Institute (APGRI). Conducted over a six-week period by 12 independent research organizations according to the presenters, the survey utilized structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, telephone polling, and online sampling across Anambra’s 21 local government areas to gauge the political mood of the electorate.
According to the findings, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji has emerged as the candidate to beat, enjoying widespread grassroots support, particularly among traders, youths, and local political networks. His political track record, including his tenure in the National Assembly, has reinforced his credibility. Respondents cited his commitment to infrastructural development, social welfare, and economic revitalization as key factors behind his soaring popularity.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, despite his incumbency, faces growing disenchantment among the electorate, securing only 22.3% in the poll. While his administration has undertaken notable reforms, issues such as economic hardship, policy dissatisfaction, and governance concerns have contributed to his declining approval rating. The poll suggests that unless Soludo makes significant political recalibrations, his re-election bid remains in jeopardy.
Trailing behind the two leading candidates is Senator Tony Nwoye, who garnered 15.8% of the poll. A former student activist with a strong grassroots mobilization history, Nwoye enjoys notable youth support. However, his campaign struggles to expand beyond its core base, limiting his ability to challenge Umeoji’s dominance or overtake Soludo.
Sir Paul Chukwuma, a former National Auditor in the main opposition party, polled 4.5%. While he has gained traction in elite and business circles, his limited grassroots penetration remains a major obstacle. The poll suggests that increasing his visibility and strengthening his political structure could boost his chances in the future.
Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, an economist and businessman, secured 2.1% in the poll. Despite his intellectual contributions and policy-driven approach, his lack of a strong grassroots network and robust political machinery has hindered his electoral viability. The survey indicates that his influence remains confined to professional and academic circles.
At the bottom of the poll results is Barth Nwibe, a respected technocrat, who received only 0.7% of voter support. While he is well-regarded in the engineering and business sectors, his minimal political visibility and outreach have significantly limited his appeal to the electorate.
The credibility of the poll is reinforced by the integrity of the 12 independent research organizations involved, all of which have extensive experience in political polling, governance analysis, and electoral research. The AOP emphasized that their methodology adhered to international best practices, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accuracy in reflecting voter sentiment in Anambra State.
With Umeoji leading the race and Soludo struggling to regain lost ground, political analysts suggest that the coming weeks will be crucial for all candidates as they attempt to consolidate support ahead of the election. The poll results have intensified political discourse in the state, prompting renewed campaign strategies among contenders.
“Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji’s dominance in this poll is attributed to his grassroots connection, strategic political positioning, and reputation for pragmatic leadership. His extensive political career, including his tenure in the National Assembly, has earned him credibility among different voter demographics.
“His key support base includes traders, the youth, and local political structures that view him as a candidate capable of driving economic transformation in Anambra. His acceptance is further reinforced by his focus on people-oriented policies, particularly in areas of security, infrastructure, and job creation. His overwhelming lead in this poll suggests that, if elections were held today, he would likely emerge victorious.
“Governor Soludo, despite being the incumbent, has seen a decline in public approval. While his administration has implemented reforms, issues such as economic hardship, policy dissatisfaction, and governance concerns have affected his re-election chances.
“His support base remains relatively strong among technocrats, elites, and civil service personnel, but he is struggling to maintain a firm grip on the grassroots.
Many respondents in this poll expressed concerns about the impact of his economic policies on small businesses and traders, which has led to a shift in voter sentiment. While he is still a strong contender, his re-election is uncertain unless significant political adjustments are made.” The polls’ statement said.
As the election draws closer, the AOP has urged political actors to engage in issue-based campaigns, emphasizing that democracy thrives when elections reflect the true will of the people. They also called on Anambra voters to actively participate in shaping the future of the state through informed choices at the ballot box.
With the shifting political landscape revealed by this poll, all eyes remain on Anambra State as candidates intensify their campaign efforts in a bid to sway undecided voters and alter the current trajectory of the race.
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