Guber Poll: Anambra Traders Endorse Soludo’s Second Term Bid

By Praise Chinecherem

Thousands of traders in over 105 markets in Anambra State have declared their full support for the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for second term in office.

The traders, under the aegis of the Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), also donated N10 million to the governor for transport logistic support during the governorship election campaigns.

President General, Chief Humphrey Anuna disclosed this at the Justice Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha, tagged “A day of celebration with Anambra traders in appreciation of Soludo’s good works.”

He said traders in the state have prospered under the Soludo administration following his intentional approach to development and enduring peace, which his administration has fostered in the markets.

“With the One Youth, Two Skills initiative of the Soludo administration, many apprentice traders have graduated into budding entrepreneurs and have also established various businesses with the skills learnt from the programme,” he noted.

Speaking separately, Patrons of ASMATA, Chief Jude Nwankwo and Chief Jude Agumadu noted that Soludo has made great impact in different sectors including urban renewal, road infrastructure, health facilities and education,

According to them, the construction of access roads in Awka and Onitsha has made it easier for traders both within Anambra and those from outside the state to engage in seamless commercial activities.

The traders also praised establishment of Agunechemba operatives whose activities, in conjunction with other security agencies, have helped in restoring security in the state with consequent boom in economic activities.

“We have agreed unanimously that Soludo is our candidate and nobody else. Traders will suffer in the State if Soludo is not re-elected. Saturday, November 8, 2025, is a done deal for us,” they said.

Responding, Governor Soludo told the traders that his government would continue to partner with them for the continuous transformation of the state.

He said he had been intentional in his push for a recreated and regenerated Anambra when he applied for the job of governor and would never lose focus.

While noting that his administration has not borrowed funds since its inception despite development projects, Soludo called for collective effort of all stakeholders to sustain the tempo.

He disclosed plans to harmonise levies and taxes across all sectors in the state in other to prevent multiple taxation and duplicity of revenue drives between the local government, state government, and other agencies.

He reiterated that petty traders, barrow pushers, hawkers, and other low-income earners in the state have been exempted from paying taxes and daily tolls in the state.

He charged the traders to remain vigilant while maintaining the values of hard work and enterprise as opposed to the get-rich-quick syndrome leading some youths into “okeite” and “yahoo boys” syndrome.