Group Hails Emergence of Gubernatorial Candidates, Urges Peaceful Guber Election

By Ukpa Ewa

Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS) has sent congratulatory messages to key gubernatorial candidates across major political parties ahead of the November 2025 governorship election, while urging residents to uphold peace and political tolerance.

In a statement issued on Sunday April 6, 2025 and signed by its leadership, the association congratulated the incumbent governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and his running mate, Dr. Ibezim Onyekachi, on their emergence as the governorship ticket holders for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Similarly, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chief George Muoghalu of the Labour Party were also commended by ANIAS for their successful nominations, with the group hailing their commitment to public service and democratic principles.

The statement was jointly signed by the president of the association Prince Chigozie Nweke , Associate Woman leader Mrs. Victoria Bata Okafor and the youth leader Comrade Godwin Otu.

The group emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence among political supporters, warning against inflammatory rhetoric, electoral violence, and divisive politics. It urged political stakeholders and their followers to respect each other’s ideologies as the state heads into a crucial election season.

“ANIAS calls on the good people of Anambra State to maintain the peaceful coexistence of political ideologies during the forthcoming Governorship Election,” the statement read. “We urge supporters across different political circles to respect one another and avoid politics of bitterness and evil practices.”

The association also cautioned its members against becoming instruments of political violence or manipulation, saying, “One does not set fire to his or her own home.” The metaphor, they explained, is a reminder that no political goal is worth the destruction of communal peace and safety.

Founded as a platform to promote unity and protect the interests of non-indigenes living in Anambra, ANIAS said it would continue to work with government and civil society to encourage voter participation, civic education, and issue-based campaigns.

As political campaigns begin to take shape, observers have lauded ANIAS for setting a tone of civility and constructive engagement, calling on other community-based organizations to emulate their example.