African Action Congress governorship candidate, Chioma Grace Ifemeludike, has become the centre of online debate after sharing campaign photos and videos ahead of the November 8 Anambra governorship election.
In a post on X on Tuesday, the actress and politician declared herself ready to lead the state, writing, “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.”
Her bold campaign portraits have since attracted mixed reactions, with many Nigerians discussing her confidence and her unconventional political branding.
One user, uc_iyke, commented that her campaign appeared “too late to gain visibility,” while another, CFCtem, said “politics is not fashion.”
But not all the comments were critical. A user named dangbanamanager wrote, “Be like… go hold first. You have my vote. I want to support your campaign.”
Another supporter, BosePrecious_, defended her, saying, “If we’re really talking about feminism, then there’s no way to attack her and not sound like you’re pandering to patriarchy.”
Reacting to the online chatter, Ifemeludike shared another post on Wednesday with a campaign video, writing, “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, she spoke about her challenges as a woman in politics, saying, “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 criticised cultural biases that question women’s leadership abilities. “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,” she said.
Ifemeludike added that her campaign focuses on competence and integrity, not gender. “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 Anambra voters 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.”
She ended her message with a rallying Igbo phrase, “Ka nwaanyị je ke ne. Nwaanyị bụ ihe,” meaning “Let the woman lead, she is somebody.”
AAC chairman, Omoyele Sowore, also backed her candidacy, saying on Facebook, “In the upcoming Anambra governorship election, Chioma Ifemeludike represents a strong, principled, and people-centred alternative to the recycled phonies who have long held Anambra hostage.”
Ifemeludike, the only female candidate in the race, has promised to prioritise education, job creation, youth empowerment, and infrastructure if elected.
