APC’s Uche Ekwunife Apologises to Governor Soludo and Wife Over Infidelity Allegation

The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has tendered an apology to the governor of the state, Prof. Charles Soludo, and his wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, following a heated public exchange that recently sparked controversy across the state’s political landscape.

The development comes after days of war of words between the senator and the governor’s family, a dispute that began when Governor Soludo accused Ekwunife of holding a “fake PhD.” The allegation, which quickly spread in political circles, drew a sharp response from the APC candidate. In her retaliation, she extended her criticism beyond the governor, dragging his wife into the matter and accusing her of infidelity—an act that escalated the feud.

The First Lady, in turn, fired back, challenging Senator Ekwunife to a DNA test on the children in both their families, further intensifying the political drama.

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The Apology and Clarification

In an official statement released through her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Tony Ezike, Senator Ekwunife expressed regret over the controversy and issued a formal apology to the Soludo family. She distanced herself from a trending story that suggested she had claimed that prominent politician Chris Uba, a former power broker in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), fathered some of Governor Soludo’s children.

“The attention of Sen. Uche Ekwunife, the Anambra All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship Candidate, has been drawn to an article falsely attributed to her camp, alleging that Mrs. Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, had children for Chief Chris Uba,” the statement read.

“Sen. Uche Ekwunife categorically states that although she has been maligned, defamed, and disparaged by the governor’s media team, the said publication did not emanate from her or her camp. She further wishes to apologise to the Governor, his wife, and the general public who may have been affected by the altercations of the past few days.”

The senator went further to appeal to her supporters to maintain discipline in their engagements, warning them against fueling the feud with comments or publications that could further escalate political tensions. She emphasized her commitment to focusing on her campaign ahead of the 2025 governorship elections.

A War of Words that Went Too Far

The clash between Senator Ekwunife and the Soludos highlights the intensity of political contests in Anambra State, where campaigns often become deeply personal. What began as a question of academic integrity quickly spiraled into a dispute involving the First Lady and even extended to DNA allegations.

Political observers have described the turn of events as “unfortunate” and “avoidable,” especially as the 2025 elections draw closer. For many, the apology marks an attempt by the APC candidate to reset her campaign strategy and redirect attention to governance issues rather than personal battles.

The senator, who has a long-standing political career and once represented Anambra Central Senatorial District, has been seen as a strong contender in the state’s governorship race. However, analysts note that her involvement in such controversies risks distracting her from her campaign promises and undermining her image among undecided voters.

Reactions from the Public and Stakeholders

The public apology has drawn mixed reactions. Some political watchers have commended Senator Ekwunife for taking responsibility and apologizing, describing it as a show of maturity in the heat of political competition. Others, however, believe the apology came too late, arguing that the initial allegations had already caused reputational damage to both the senator and the governor’s family.

Supporters of the Soludo administration have insisted that the matter underscores the dangers of dragging family members into political disputes. They argue that such tactics undermine public confidence and distract from substantive debates about governance.

Meanwhile, members of the APC have called on the public to put the matter behind them and allow the party’s campaign to focus on its manifesto and plans for Anambra State.

By issuing an apology, Senator Ekwunife appears keen on closing a controversial chapter in her campaign. Her call for supporters to “remain focused” signals a shift toward consolidating her political messaging and avoiding unnecessary distractions.

Political analysts suggest that the incident serves as a reminder of how high-stakes campaigns in Nigeria often cross personal boundaries, with damaging consequences for all parties involved. As campaigns intensify, candidates are expected to exercise restraint and maintain civility to ensure that political contests remain issue-based.

For the Soludos, the apology could ease tensions, though whether the First Family fully accepts the gesture remains to be seen. What is clear is that the spotlight will now be on how both camps move forward in the lead-up to the 2025 polls.

The apology issued by Senator Uche Ekwunife to Governor Charles Soludo and his wife, Nonye Soludo, marks an important attempt to de-escalate one of the most controversial political disputes in recent Anambra history. While the incident has left both sides bruised, it also underscores the need for restraint, respect, and issue-driven campaigns in Nigeria’s democracy.

As the governorship race gathers momentum, voters are likely to judge candidates not only by their policies but also by how they conduct themselves in public life. For Senator Ekwunife, the challenge ahead will be to rebuild her image and refocus her campaign on the issues that matter most to the people of Anambra State.