Valentine Ozigbo, a leading 2025 Anambra governorship aspirant, has launched a sharp critique of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, accusing it of prioritizing “media optics” over meaningful development. His remarks came on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s Thursday visit to Anambra State, during which several high-profile projects were inaugurated.
Ozigbo, former President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, extended a formal welcome to Tinubu but swiftly pivoted to what he described as “a glaring theatre of missed priorities” under Soludo’s leadership. Among the projects commissioned by the president were the Solution FunCity amusement park, a new Government House, a Presidential Lodge, and the Emeka Anyaoku Institute at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
“Governance is not about cutting ribbons on facades while the foundation rots,” Ozigbo said in a strongly worded statement. He questioned the utility of projects like the amusement park, which he described as a misplaced priority amid widespread economic hardship. “What critical social problem does this park solve? Hunger? Unemployment? Fear?” he asked.
Criticizing the Soludo administration’s track record, Ozigbo claimed it had delivered “zero public housing, zero real investment inflow, and zero structural transformation” in over three years. He also referenced unconfirmed reports that members of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) were instructed to avoid wearing party-branded attire during the presidential visit — a move he called a “betrayal.”
Ozigbo’s remarks underscored his policy divergence with Soludo, as well as a broader political messaging strategy ahead of the 2025 governorship race. He emphasized the need for people-focused leadership and practical solutions, citing high rent costs and stagnant wages as examples of the state’s deepening socioeconomic issues.
“We deserve a government that builds lives, not just lodges,” Ozigbo declared. “Anambra is not short of talent or promise — we are short of leadership that puts the people first.”
The Soludo administration has not yet responded to the criticism. However, Ozigbo’s statement adds to a growing chorus of voices expressing concern that performance politics may be overshadowing practical governance in the state.
