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Anambra 2025: Umeoji ahead of Soludo, others in opinion poll

Published

9 months ago

February 22, 2025

Joel Ajayi

Ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State, an opinion poll conducted by 12 independent research organizations has projected Chukwuma Umeoji, a former lawmaker representing Aguata Federal Constituency and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the leading candidate for the state’s top position.

Addressing the media under the banner of Anambra Opinion Polls (AOP) on Saturday in Abuja, Tabuko Kennedy, Director General of the Nigeria Democratic Research Institute (NDRI), highlighted the survey results, which placed Umeoji significantly ahead of other contenders.

“This poll was carried out using scientific polling methodologies, including structured questionnaires, face-to-face and telephone interviews, and online sampling, ensuring representation from all 21 local government areas of the state. The findings reflect the true aspirations of Ndi Anambra, as gathered from a diverse cross-section of the population, including youths, professionals, traders, artisans, and traditional institutions,” Kennedy stated.

According to the group, after an extensive survey conducted over a Six-week period, the results are as follows:

“RT HON CHUKWUMA UMEOJI (54.6%) The clear frontrunner receiving majority support across different demographics due to his perceived competence, grassroots appeal, and commitment to infrastructural development and social welfare.

“GOVERNOR CHUKWUMA SOLUDO (22.3%) – The incumbent governor, who retains significant support but faces challenges due to governance concerns, policy controversies, and shifting voter sentiments.

SEN. TONY NWOYE (15.8%) – A formidable contender with notable youth and grassroots support but struggling to consolidate broad-based appeal.“SIR PAUL CHUKWUMA (4.5%) – Having served as a former Auditor in the main opposition party in the state, he has gained traction among certain political circles but yet to establish widespread acceptability,” among others.

The AOP further analysed the strength of aspirants contesting for the number one position in Anambra based on the results from the poll.

“Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji (54.6%)“Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji’s dominance in this poll is attributed to his grassroots connection, strategic political positioning, and reputation for pragmatic leadership. His extensive political career, including his tenure in the National Assembly, has earned him credibility among different voter demographics. His key support base includes traders, the youth, and local political structures that view him as a candidate capable of driving economic transformation in Anambra.

“His acceptance is further reinforced by his focus on people-oriented policies, particularly in areas of security, infrastructure, and job creation. His overwhelming lead in this poll suggests that, if elections were held today, he would likely emerge victorious.

“Governor Chukwuma Soludo (22.3%)Governor Soludo, despite being the incumbent, has seen a decline in public approval. While his administration has implemented reforms, issues such as economic hardship, policy dissatisfaction, and governance concerns have affected his re-election chances. His support base remains relatively strong among technocrats, elites, and civil service personnel, but he is struggling to maintain a firm grip on the grassroots. Many respondents in this poll expressed concerns about the impact of his economic policies on small businesses and traders, which has led to a shift in voter sentiment. While he is still a strong contender, his re-election is uncertain unless significant political adjustments are made.

“Sen. Tony Nwoye (15.8%)Senator Tony Nwoye, a former student activist and a politician with a history of strong grassroots mobilization, has a formidable youth support base. His experience in the Senate and previous gubernatorial runs have earned him recognition, particularly among students, young professionals, and those seeking an alternative leadership option.

However, his campaign faces challenges in expanding beyond his core support base, as he has not fully consolidated the broader political structures required for victory. His growing numbers in this poll indicate potential for an upset if he intensifies his outreach efforts.”

On the poll credibility, the AOP emphasized the credibility of the 12 research organizations involved, noting their integrity, methodological rigor, and commitment to non-partisan electoral research.

“These organizations have a proven track record of conducting accurate, independent, and non-partisan research in Nigeria and beyond. These institutions specialize in political polling, electoral research, governance, analysis, and voter awareness initiatives,” the group stated.

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Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security

Published

15 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.

The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.

Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.

These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.

In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.

“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”

The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).

– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.

– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.

– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.

– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.

Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.

“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”

The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.

About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.

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