Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said he once opposed Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s ambition to lead Anambra State. Speaking in Awka at an event marking the first anniversary of Soludo’s governorship, Obasanjo recalled that he felt uneasy when his former chief economic adviser told him Soludo was planning to run for the state’s top post.
Obasanjo explained that, based on his experience with Soludo, he had always envisioned the economist in a “something international or national” role rather than as a state governor. “Because of my experience with Chukwuma, I earmarked him for something greater in my mind,” he said, adding that he was initially angry when Soludo announced his candidacy. “I told him, ‘Chukwuma, governor of Anambra, no—I see you for something national or international.’”
He recounted a past conversation in which Soludo had asked him to pray for the new governor of Anambra, prompting Obasanjo to question the prayer. The former president linked his reaction to the turbulent history of the state, citing former governors Dr Chris Ngige—now Minister of Labour and Employment, who served from 2003 to 2006—and Emmanuel Uba, who was sworn in on 27 May 2007 but removed after 14 days by a Supreme Court ruling on 14 June 2007. “When people like you are running away, what do you expect? Hooligans will take over, and then people like him should not complain,” Obasanjo warned.
Nevertheless, Obasanjo later told Soludo that he could contest the governorship, reminding him that his true calling lay in national or international assignments. “Consider this governorship an appetizer; the main menu will come later,” he said, turning to Soludo. He praised Soludo’s performance, stating, “From what I have heard and what I have seen, you have not disappointed me, and I believe you have not disappointed the people of Anambra State.”
Soludo, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2004 to 2009—coinciding with Obasanjo’s presidency—has now demonstrated the capability that Obasanjo once doubted.
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