In a swift and strongly worded response, the media team of Senator Uche Ekwunife, Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has condemned what it describes as a “baseless and politically motivated smear campaign” questioning her academic qualifications.
The statement, signed by Tony Ezike, Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the Senator, accused Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s camp of orchestrating a deliberate campaign of misinformation aimed at halting Ekwunife’s growing popularity ahead of the 2025 governorship election.
“The recent attempt to question the academic qualifications of Senator Uche Ekwunife is nothing short of a desperate and politically motivated smear campaign,” Ezike wrote.
According to the statement, Senator Ekwunife holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from the University of Calabar, completed her NYSC service between May 1993 and May 1994, obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in 2002/2003, and a Doctorate in Public Administration from Atlantic International University, accredited by ASIC from 2019 to 2023.
“These are verified facts – neither speculation nor hearsay,” the statement emphasized, while also calling on the public to reject the spread of “fake narratives and outright lies.”
The statement took a direct swipe at Governor Soludo, questioning why his administration riddled with criticisms over insecurity and unfulfilled promises has now turned its attention solely on Senator Ekwunife while ignoring other contenders.
“The answer is clear: Senator Ekwunife poses a real political threat,” the statement said. “Her grassroots influence and connection with the people have made her the candidate to watch.”
The APC camp further cited an incident in Nri Kingdom as evidence of the Senator’s rising influence. According to the release, residents resisted alleged inducement attempts from state agents, stood up to political thugs, and marched in solidarity to Ekwunife’s residence a move the campaign describes as “a testament to her growing support.”
Ezike urged Governor Soludo to focus on governance and address the worsening insecurity and lack of development in Anambra State rather than waste state resources attacking opponents.
“Senator Ekwunife is not responsible for the failures of the current administration. No amount of falsehoods can stop the tide of change sweeping across Anambra.”
He reiterated that the APC ticket of Ukachukwu and Ekwunife remains the most credible alternative ahead of the 2025 election, representing “vision, competence, and a commitment to real transformation.”
Attached to the statement were official documents backing Senator Ekwunife’s educational qualifications.
