A war of words has erupted in Anambra State following a demand by the First Lady, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, for a public apology from former senator Uche Ekwunife over comments she described as defamatory and disrespectful. The dispute has stirred political tension in the state, drawing reactions from both supporters and critics of the two women.
Mrs. Soludo, in a statement issued through her media office in Awka, accused Senator Ekwunife of making “unguarded remarks” about her during a recent political gathering. She insisted that the statements were not only misleading but also damaging to her reputation as the wife of the governor and as an advocate for women’s development in the state.
The First Lady maintained that her office has always focused on programmes aimed at improving education, healthcare, and empowerment for women and children, stressing that she has never engaged in partisan politics or personal attacks. She therefore called on Ekwunife to retract her comments and issue a formal apology to restore civility and mutual respect in the political space.
In response, close associates of Senator Ekwunife have dismissed the First Lady’s claims, arguing that the remarks in question were taken out of context. They described the controversy as unnecessary, urging both women to prioritise the interests of Anambra people over personal grievances. Ekwunife herself has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
The clash comes against the backdrop of heightened political activities in Anambra, as various groups and stakeholders position themselves ahead of future elections. Analysts say the disagreement between Mrs. Soludo and Senator Ekwunife could be a reflection of deeper political rivalries within the state.
Civil society organisations have urged restraint, noting that public exchanges of insults or demands for apologies between prominent women leaders could undermine the progress of women in politics. They called for dialogue and reconciliation to prevent further escalation.
As the controversy continues, observers warn that if not carefully managed, the dispute could distract from pressing governance issues in the state. Many are now watching closely to see whether Senator Ekwunife will respond directly to the First Lady’s demand or allow the matter to fade with time.
