Bishops didn’t make me governor, Anambra people did! — Prof. Soludo claims

…..vows to cleanse Anambra of fake prophets after re-election

By Dr. Chika Ejimnkeonye, Awka

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has once again proven he is not one to shy away from controversy or confrontation. In what many have described as his boldest political statement yet, the Anambra State Governor reportedly told his campaign strategists that no religious institution or cleric made him governor and that it was the will of the people, backed by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s democratic structure, that brought him to power.

At a closed-door campaign appraisal meeting held in Awka last weekend, Soludo was said to have spoken with unshaken confidence about his chances in the November 8, 2025 governorship election.

The Governor, renowned for his frankness and intellectual courage, told his inner circle that he would win again without the Church’s endorsement, insisting that his achievements across the state were enough to guarantee him victory.

“In 2021, most of these Bishops and priests supported Val Ozigbo. Yet, I won clearly. I don’t need any Church endorsement to win. Ndi Anambra will re-elect me because they’ve seen what I’ve done,” Soludo reportedly boasted.

The Governor, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) boss and globally respected economist, has built a reputation for being fearless and pragmatic; traits that continue to shape his leadership style.

Prof.Soludo in the same breath, reportedly expressed discontent with certain religious figures whom he accused of “turning the church into a business enterprise.”

He likened some priests and pastors to self-acclaimed miracle workers such as Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki, Onyeze Jesus, and others who were previously arrested for misleading the public with claims of miracle money and ritual practices.

According to sources at the meeting, Soludo vowed that after securing re-election, he would launch a statewide moral and spiritual sanitization campaign that would tackle both fake herbalists and fraudulent “men of God” who exploit the desperation of the people.

“After dealing with the fake Okeite Dibias, I will also face the fake pastors and prophets who use church platforms and false miracles to extort Ndi Anambra. Our state needs cleansing,” the Governor was quoted as saying.

The Governor’s comments come amid rising tensions between the state government and sections of the Catholic clergy. Some priests, including the controversial Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obinma, popularly known as Ebube Muonso, have in the past criticized Soludo’s policies and endorsed opposition candidates during election periods.

However, Soludo’s latest statement has ignited fresh debates on the proper boundary between religion and governance in Anambra. Many political observers argue that the governor’s bold stance reflects a new era of political independence; one that seeks to separate spiritual influence from state affairs.

Not everyone within the governor’s inner circle, however, shares his sentiment. A senior APGA stakeholder and close associate of the governor who pleaded anonymity described the comments as “unfortunate and unsettling,” especially given the Catholic Church’s historical role in mobilizing support for Soludo’s 2021 victory.

“As a Knight of the Catholic Church, I felt deeply disappointed. The church hierarchy should be respected, not attacked. The governor might have good intentions, but his choice of words could hurt relationships that matter,” the source said.

The source called on the Church to remain united and prayerful in its decision-making as the election season draws closer.

Despite the backlash, Governor Soludo’s confidence remains unshaken. Although, his administration has recorded notable strides in infrastructural renewal, rural development, education, and security reforms. From the reconstruction of long-abandoned roads to the revitalization of schools and the fight against insecurity, the governor believes that his “performance scoreboard” is the best campaign manifesto.

He has urged his campaign team to “focus on the grassroots,” asserting that the real power lies in the hands of the people not the pulpits.

“Let’s campaign with our works. Ndi Anambra knows the difference between performance and propaganda. Bishops and GOs have one vote each, just like every citizen,” he claimed.

Analysts say Soludo’s latest outburst may be part of a calculated strategy to project independence and conviction, painting him as a governor who answers only to the people. Whether this political gamble strengthens his re-election bid or stirs a backlash from the powerful Christian establishment remains to be seen.

But one thing is certain: Prof. Soludo’s voice has once again set the tone for a heated political and moral debate in Anambra State. His words, bold and unfiltered, continue to reinforce his image as a reform-minded leader determined to rebuild the state from the ruins of superstition, corruption, and hypocrisy.

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