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: Anambra AAC gov candidate stirs controversy over campaign photos
The African Action Congress candidate for the November 8 Anambra governorship election, Chioma Ifemeludike, is gaining significant attention online after sharing a series of campaign photos and videos that spotlight her message of inclusive governance and challenge long-held patriarchal beliefs in politics.
In an X post on Tuesday, Ifemeludike wrote, “I am the flag bearer of the African Action Congress and I’m proud to say that I’m the best candidate in the November 8 Anambra gubernatorial election. The lighthouse is about to be lit. #ChiomaForGovernor2025 #CourageForChange.”
African Action Congress gov candidate Chioma Ifemeludike. Photo credit: X/Chioma Ifemeludike
The post has since attracted thousands of reactions—both supportive and critical.
User #uc_iyke questioned her campaign’s timing, paraphrasing that it appeared “too late to gain widespread visibility,” while #CFcTem remarked that “politics is not fashion.”
However, others expressed admiration. User #dangbanamanager commented, “Be like… go hold first. You have my vote. I want to support your campaign.”
Another user, #BosePrecious_, addressed the online gender debate surrounding her candidacy, “Btw, I’m hearing some feminists pushing back because of how she makes women look in society. If we’re really talking about feminism, then there’s no way to attack her and not sound like you’re pandering to patriarchy.”
Responding to the reactions, Ifemeludike shared another post on Wednesday along with a campaign video, urging voters not to be misled by online criticism.
“Do not let them gaslight or confuse you. Yes, we can have beauty and brains in one body. Beauty and elegance are about courage, kindness, and intelligence. Chioma is that woman. Ndi Anambra must vote for social change.”
In the video, the AAC candidate detailed her motivation for contesting and her experience navigating political patriarchy.
“Has this journey been difficult for me as a woman? Oh yes, it has been tough. But when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I have the ability, capability, and capacity to run this race with any gender.”
She also challenged the cultural bias that undermines women’s leadership.
“In Anambra State, many still believe that a woman who squats to urinate cannot oversee the affairs of the state. You hear this from male chauvinists all the time, and it shows how strong patriarchy still is in our society.”
Ifemeludike stressed that her campaign transcends gender and focuses on competence, integrity, and development.
“I’m not intimidated. I know who I am and what I can bring to the table — good and quality leadership, human and environmental development. It doesn’t matter if it’s a man or a woman. What matters is electing credible leaders and demanding accountability.”
Calling for issue-based politics, she urged the electorate to reject vote buying, violence, and corruption.
“Beyond gender and age, Anambra must vote for a credible leader with empathy and integrity. This is our chance to correct years of bad governance and bring real development to our people.”
Ifemeludike also made a passionate appeal to the electorate in her campaign video:
“The Anambra State must take a clear stand on the November 8th gubernatorial election, 2025, against bad, corrupt and nepotistic leaders. This is a chance to correct all the menace that we’ve been experiencing in the last years in Anambra State and give a leader who is able to deliver good and quality leadership, development to our people and our entire communities. Vote Chioma Grace Ifemeludike for governor under the African Action Congress party.”
She ended her address with a rallying message in Igbo, “Ka nwaanyị je ke ne Nwaanyị bụ ihe” — meaning let the woman go, A woman is something (somebody) in a proper context, it simply means Let a woman lead, she is somebody. “Courage for change.”
