In a bold campaign launch, John Nwosu, the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Anambra State’s November 8 governorship election, pledged to address persistent insecurity and overhaul taxes affecting small businesses if elected. Speaking during a rally in Onitsha on Friday, Nwosu positioned himself as a reformist alternative to incumbent governor Charles Soludo, whose administration he accused of failing to uphold security, stimulate development, and respect local institutions.
The event, which also unveiled ADC candidates for an August 16 by-election and the upcoming governorship race, featured notable figures such as Justina Azuka. A widow seeking to fill her late husband’s legislative seat after his kidnapping and subsequent death, Azuka’s candidacy underscores the volatile security landscape in the southeastern Nigerian state. Chidi Amamgbo, another ADC contender, aims for the Anambra South Senate seat.
Nwosu, an information technology specialist, outlined a seven-pillar agenda titled “SHEEEMS” (Security, Health, Education, Economy, Enterprise, Market, and Social Welfare), emphasizing tech-driven governance. He proposed deploying AI-powered surveillance systems, community-trained security personnel, and an e-government platform to combat corruption and improve service delivery. “Our administration will work at the speed of technology, not paperwork,” he declared, vowing to restore public safety within six months and revive cultural festivals disrupted by violence.
Central to his economic plan is a 30% tax reduction for artisans, tricycle (“keke”) operators, and small traders, coupled with abolishing aggressive enforcement tactics allegedly linked to revenue collection under Soludo. “The era of exploitation is over. We’ll implement a fair, humane tax system—no one should pay to suffer,” Nwosu asserted, referencing reports of injuries and fatalities during confrontations between tax agents and citizens.
ADC leaders, including former national chairman Ralph Nwosu, expressed confidence in their coalition’s ability to unseat Soludo. The party claims support from defectors in the Labour Party and People’s Democratic Party, framing the August by-elections as a litmus test for broader political shifts. Rally attendees were urged to mobilize grassroots support ahead of the polls.
Anambra’s governorship race unfolds amid heightened scrutiny of Soludo’s tenure, marked by sporadic unrest and economic strain. Nwosu’s promises echo widespread demands for security and equitable governance, though questions linger about the feasibility of his tech-centric solutions in a region grappling with infrastructure gaps. The ADC’s alliance-building strategy signals a bid to consolidate opposition votes, setting the stage for a contentious electoral showdown.
