The African Action Congress (AAC) candidate for the November 8 Anambra State governorship election, Chioma Grace Ifemeludike, has ignited a buzz on social media after releasing a series of campaign photos and videos to challenge patriarchal prejudices and promote inclusive governance.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Ifemeludike declared herself the most qualified contender in the upcoming election, 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 post quickly gained traction, drawing a mix of admiration and criticism.
While some users praised her courage and confidence, others questioned her approach. User #uc_iyke remarked that her campaign appeared “too late to gain widespread visibility,” while #CFcTem commented, “Politics is not fashion.”
However, supporters came to her defense. One user, #dangbanamanager, wrote, “Be like… go hold first. You have my vote. I want to support your campaign.”
Another commenter, #BosePrecious_, weighed in on the gender debate sparked by her photos, writing “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.”
In response to the growing conversation, Ifemeludike on Wednesday shared another post accompanied by a campaign video, urging voters not to be swayed by online critics.
“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,” she said.
In the video, the AAC candidate reflected on her motivation to contest and the challenges of navigating Nigeria’s male-dominated political space.
“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.”
Ifemeludike also addressed cultural biases that undermine women’s leadership potential, citing a common stereotype in the state.
“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.
Reiterating that her campaign transcends gender, the AAC governorship candidate emphasised competence, integrity, and development as her key priorities.
“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.”
She urged voters to focus on issue-based politics and resist the influence of vote buying 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.”
In a passionate appeal to the electorate, Ifemeludike called on Anambra voters to “take a clear stand” in the forthcoming election.
“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 and development to our people. Vote Chioma Grace Ifemeludike for governor under the African Action Congress party.”
She concluded her address with a rallying message in Igbo, “Ka nwaanyị je ke ne. Nwaanyị bụ ihe,” translated as ‘Let the woman go; a woman is somebody.’
Her campaign slogan, “Courage for Change,” continues to resonate across social media, with many viewing her candidacy as a symbolic test of gender inclusion and political transformation in Anambra State.
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