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.”

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.”

As the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025 draws to a close on Thursday, September 18, all eyes are on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Ordu and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) all of whom are expected to return to office.

This pending return marks a significant turning point, not only for Fubara but for the political future of Rivers State.

The controversial suspension of the state’s elected leadership and the imposition of emergency rule, ostensibly to avert a breakdown of law and order, remains deeply contested.

Critics argue that no clear evidence of such unrest existed at the time, and many in Rivers and beyond viewed the move as excessive and politically motivated.

As the state prepares for this transition, the path ahead for Governor Fubara is anything but straightforward.

Fubara’s return will be fraught with challenges, particularly due to the entrenched influence of his political predecessor and rival, Nyesom Wike.

Despite a publicized truce between the two, Wike’s grip on Rivers politics remains firm, strengthened further by his party’s control of the recent local government elections on August 30, 2025.

In this new reality, Fubara reenters office with diminished political leverage, surrounded by lawmakers and powerbrokers aligned with Wike.

His authority as governor may be constitutionally intact, but the political machinery around him is not in his favour.

In light of these dynamics, two schools of thought have emerged on what Fubara should do:

1. Play Along for Peace:
One view suggests Fubara should accept his limited authority and work within the political structure dominated by Wike’s allies.

This approach, advocates argue, would ensure peace and stability in the state, aligning with Fubara’s longstanding calls for unity.

2. Assert His Authority:
A more assertive perspective holds that Fubara must reclaim his leadership by standing firm on constitutional grounds.

Abdicating or playing a passive role, this group warns, could render his governorship meaningless and further weaken the democratic process in Rivers.

Each option carries significant risks and consequences for Fubara’s career, for governance in the state and for the broader principle of democratic integrity.

While these political debates rage on, the ultimate question remains: What is best for the people of Rivers State?

Governance should never be reduced to a tug-of-war between political heavyweights.

The office of governor exists not for personal power plays but for delivering service, ensuring development, and upholding the constitution.

Unfortunately, Nigeria’s political culture often elevates personalities over the rule of law, substituting legal processes with so-called “political solutions” that weaken institutions and breed further crises.

If Fubara is to succeed and be remembered positively, he must resist becoming a ceremonial figurehead.

Instead, he should embrace the full weight and responsibilities of his office, grounded in the constitutional provisions that legitimize his leadership.

This may mean confronting uncomfortable truths and making bold decisions, but it is also the path that will earn him the respect of Rivers people and secure his place in history.