By Izunna Okafor, Awka
In another major political development ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, members of the Obidient Movement in the state have formally endorsed the re-election bid of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, describing the decision as one made in good conscience and in line with the ideals of integrity, performance, and credibility that define the Obidient ideology.
The endorsement, led by the Obidient General, Mr. Ikenna Azomchine, was announced on Monday, October 20, 2025, at his residence in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area. The event drew a gathering of Obidient members, supporters, and stakeholders different parts of Anambra, as well as journalists, who witnessed what many described as a “watershed moment” in the evolving political alignment of the Obidient family in the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Obidient General, Mr. Azomchine, said the endorsement was made after careful assessment of all the governorship candidates, adding that Governor Soludo stood out as the most credible, competent, and visionary leader capable of consolidating the progress made so far in the state.
He explained that the Obidient Movement’s support for Governor Soludo is rooted in the same principles of transparency, integrity, and accountability that birthed the movement prior to the 2023 general elections.
“We have gathered here to officially endorse His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, for re-election on November 8, 2025. We are doing this as true Obidients, guided by integrity, performance, and credibility,” he declared.
Azomchine further emphasized that the decision was not influenced by money or political inducement, clarifying that neither he nor any member of his team had received any financial support from the Governor or the government.
“We never met or discussed anything with Governor Soludo before taking this decision. Nobody paid or bribed us. What we have done today is driven by conviction. We Obidients are honest, fair, and just. We believe in good governance, and Soludo has shown capacity,” he stated.
To strengthen the campaign efforts, Mr. Azomchine also announced the donation of two buses to the Obidient Movement in Anambra to aid local government mobilization and awareness campaigns across different local government areas.
“We are aware of dissenting voices, but we are convincing them daily with facts and with the visible works of Governor Soludo. We don’t support failure; we support progress and performance,” he said.
Responding to questions from journalists, Mr. Azomchine maintained that the Obidient Movement remains a broad and inclusive network that transcends political parties.
“Obidients are in Labour Party, APGA, APC, and other parties. What binds us is our commitment to good governance, not party labels. We are supporting Soludo because he has performed,” he explained.
On the question of whether the endorsement was done with the knowledge of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, Azomchine revealed that he had personally informed Mr. Obi of his stance.
“Peter Obi is aware of what we are doing. He told me himself that I have the right to make my decisions as the Obidient General. He remains our leader and mentor, but we must also promote unity among our Igbo stakeholders. Soludo is our brother and one of the most performing governors in Nigeria today,” he said, adding that the decision does not in any way amount to disloyalty.
He reiterated that Peter Obi remains respected and loved within the movement, while assuring that both men, Obi and Soludo, represent the face of progressive Igbo leadership in Nigeria.
His words: “Peter Obi got my support when he visited the European Union. I was a young man who waited for him at the airport and arranged a meeting at the European Union. From the European Union, I followed Peter Obi till today. Peter never ever funded anything I did. We funded Peter Obi. So we are his lovers and we are his believers. We could never have lost three years of our lives for somebody we don’t love. So Peter Obi remains a man we must respect.
“I also told his Excellency Peter Obi that Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is a brother that is coming next to him. We Igbo, we don’t have a lot of stakeholders. We must keep the unity and sanctity of Igbo so that we can grow in the Nigerian state. There’s no way Nigeria can be given to the Igbos if our stakeholders are bickering. So what I’m doing today is to start to emphasize on that unity among Igbo-Nigerians.”
Continuing, Azomchine, who is a member of the Advising Council of the Obidient Network, the highest body of the Obidient Network, expressed confidence that Soludo will win a second term in office, adding that Obidients are solidly behind him, and that their principal, Peter Obi, will join them with time.
“Peter Obi remains who he is, and Prof. Soludo remains who he is. Today, we are supporting Soludo because this is governorship election that we’re talking about at the moment. And Soludo’s government has shown capacity. When 2027 comes, we will assess again. The Obidient family will always follow competence and credibility,” he said.
Mr. Azomchine also dismissed insinuations of division within the Obidient Movement, describing the group as united and independent-minded. He said that many of those claiming to speak for the movement nationally had little or no input in its day-to-day operations in Anambra. He also pointed to a recent Meet & Greet in Enugu where his leadership received regional backing and vowed the Anambra chapter will proceed with grassroots mobilisation, visiting wards and polling units to win hearts and votes for Soludo.
“I have been the spokesperson and coordinator of the Obidients in the South-East before the emergence of some of these people. Nobody can look at my face and challenge this decision. I have sacrificed time, resources, and energy for this movement. This is the direction we have chosen, and we are resolute,” he affirmed.
He further regretted that even many of the persons they supported and paved their ways to the National Assembly as lawmakers during the 2023 general election (especially under the Labour Party) have almost forgotten them, without any single contribution to the activities of the Movement since then. He stated that they have not even had any interface with the current LP governorship candidate in the forthcoming election, adding that the Movement has also based their choice of Soludo as the best option on obvious and verifiable facts, ranging from his first term performance, as well as his competence and credibility when compared with other candidates in the election.
Fielding question about what next after the endorsement, Mr. Azomchine, who recounted the Movement’s feats, global connection and prominence since its formation, also reiterated the Movement’s mantra of “We No Dey Give Shịshị”, further noting that their support for Soludo goes beyond political endorsement. He also assured to help the government attract foreign investors and development partners through the Obidients’ global network.
“We are not here to give cows or money. We are giving something more valuable, international partnerships, investment contacts, and development ideas. Obidients are in Europe, America, and all over the world. We will bring those networks home to support Governor Soludo,” he said confidently.
Also speaking, a stakeholder of the Obidient Movement, Mrs. Ijeoma Uzodimma, explained that the endorsement was not against Peter Obi but rather a demonstration of the movement’s commitment to good governance and accountability at all levels.
“Peter Obi has never forced anyone to make political choices. Supporting Soludo does not mean opposing Obi. What we are saying is that Soludo is doing well, and we want him to continue. Our duty as Obidients is to support good governance.
“And we can attest that Soludo is doing well; and where there’s still need for improvement, we bring those needs of the people to his attention, suggest ideas on how to address them, and ensure he delivers. That’s how it should be and how to support good governance; it should not always be criticism,” she said.
Contributing, another leader, Comrade Dr. Emeka Magnus Odigwe, one of the nine collegians guiding the Obidient Movement, stressed that the endorsement was based on performance and not sentiment.
According to him, “When you talk about being Obidient, you talk about good governance and what benefits the people. After assessing all the candidates, we believe Soludo has shown capacity to deliver. Anambra needs continuity, and Soludo deserves another term.”
The event was also attended by the South-East Welfare Officer of the Obidient Movement, Mrs. Onyegbado Chinyere; the Movement’s P.R.O. in Nibo, Mr. Kingsley Okeke; and some other stakeholders and supporters from different parts of the state who expressed their readiness to campaign vigorously for Governor Soludo’s re-election. The group further kicked off this campaign by proceeding from there to the venue of the Awka South Endorsement Rally for the Governor, which also held the same day in Awka, the state capital.
More photos from the event:
