The wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has engaged in a public dispute with Senator Uche Ekwunife, the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate, over what she described as “malicious and unfounded allegations” targeting her family.
In a statement released on Saturday, Dr. Soludo refused to stoop to what she called Ekwunife’s “fabrications” but issued a stern warning that legal proceedings would commence if the senator did not retract her claims and issue a formal apology within 72 hours.
Further intensifying the feud, Dr. Soludo challenged Ekwunife to a public oath-taking ceremony and proposed DNA tests to settle the questions arising during the heated campaign.
The confrontation stemmed from a viral video circulating since Tuesday, in which Ekwunife accused Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife of having ties to the administration of the late Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju between 1999 and 2003.
The senator’s comments were also a response to doubts raised about her academic qualifications.
The ongoing battle of words has escalated tensions in the already charged Anambra gubernatorial race, where candidates’ credentials and personal lives have repeatedly come under scrutiny, particularly between the APC and the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Dr. Soludo firmly rejected the allegations and demanded evidence to back them up.
“To clarify, let me state three verifiable facts: I have never worked for anyone; I have always been a professional and entrepreneur throughout my adult life; I have never met Dr. Mbadinuju, may he rest in peace; and in my 55 years, I have known only one man — Chukwuma Soludo,” she declared.
The First Lady also extended a challenge to Ekwunife, saying, “Since you claim to be a converted Catholic, I invite you to join me in swearing an oath of fidelity and chastity at any Cathedral before the Blessed Sacrament. I will take this oath alongside my children, affirming that I have known only one man—my husband.”
Additionally, she proposed that both families submit to DNA testing at three reputable London hospitals, assuring that she would cover all expenses.
“As a businesswoman, I will pay for your family’s travel and the tests. If it is confirmed that your husband is the biological father of all your children, I will personally congratulate you with a cash reward. My family is prepared to undergo this test at any time you choose,” she stated.
Dr. Soludo concluded her statement by urging Ekwunife to withdraw her accusations and apologize unreservedly within 72 hours, warning that legal counsel has already been engaged to pursue justice.
In response, Senator Ekwunife released her own statement on Saturday, describing her remarks as “friendly advice” to Mrs. Soludo.
She maintained, “Mrs. Soludo owes me no explanation regarding private family matters. If my statement has caused her discomfort, she owes an explanation to her husband, not to me.”
Ekwunife further dismissed the call for DNA tests, stating, “My personal affairs are not relevant here. She should focus on addressing her family issues rather than dragging me into them.”
The senator ended by reaffirming her commitment to improving Anambra State.
“My determination to positively contribute and rescue Anambra from misgovernance remains firm and undeterred.”
