Soludo mocks one-term campaigners, calls them mentally unfit

|By Adejumo Adekunle

…Anambra governor says zoning must be respected after his 8-year tenure
…Warns against South contestants disrupting state’s power-sharing formula

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has slammed politicians who promise to serve only one term in office, describing them as mentally unstable and unfit for leadership.

Speaking at a campaign rally of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Awka, Soludo questioned the rationale behind any elective political officer voluntarily limiting their time in office when the Nigerian Constitution clearly allows two terms.

“Anybody who says he needs only one term needs psychiatric evaluation because you are taking everybody to be a fool,” Soludo said pointedly. “You come to people and say ‘I will do only one term’ – how can anyone with brain say that?”

The former Central Bank Governor, who is currently serving his first term as Anambra governor, insisted that the state’s zoning system must be maintained. According to him, after his expected eight-year tenure, power should return to Anambra Central Senatorial Zone.

“There is zoning in Anambra and after Soludo as governor for eight years, the next governor would go to Anambra Central,” he declared. “Anybody who is contesting for governorship from Anambra South is trying to disrupt the zoning system in Anambra.”

He further criticized individuals he described as unqualified and desperate, suggesting that some contenders have questionable academic backgrounds.

“Anambra has no place for street urchins; even those whose secondary certificates are questionable. Some of them have no certificate but want to be governor,” he added.

Soludo’s comments appear to be a veiled response to remarks made by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who recently stated he was prepared to serve just one term as Nigeria’s president and hand over power to the North if given the opportunity.

The governor’s tough stance has reignited debate over political zoning, succession, and the integrity of political aspirants in Anambra State as the 2025 election season approaches.