The African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition has officially unveiled its candidates for the upcoming August 16 by-election and November 8 governorship election in Anambra State during a campaign kickoff event held in Onitsha on Friday.

Mr. John Nwosu, the ADC governorship candidate, promised to tackle insecurity and review taxes imposed on artisans and small businesses if elected as governor. During his address, Nwosu criticized the incumbent Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, claiming he had failed in security, development, and respect for traditional institutions.

"Governance is not rocket science, it is also not to try your luck or making bogus promises. If Soludo did not succeed in the first four years, he won't succeed in another four years," Nwosu stated. "We promise four years of seamless, transformative and adaptive governance."

The Information and Technology expert outlined his seven-pillar policy framework dubbed SHEEEMS, which stands for Security, Health, Education, Economy, Enterprise, Market, and Social Welfare. He emphasized plans to deploy high-tech security infrastructure, including fingerprint and AI-powered facial recognition cameras, alongside well-trained community-based personnel to combat insecurity.

Nwosu also promised to introduce e-Government initiatives to fight corruption and enhance efficiency. "It will be a government that works at the speed of technology, not the speed of paperwork," he said.

Addressing the tax burden on citizens, Nwosu declared: "The era of exploitation is over, I will abolish enforcement with pestles 'Aka-Odo' and review the tax system. From my first day in office, we will cut tax tariffs and charges payable by shuttle bus and keke drivers, barrow pushers and artisans by 30 percent."

The event also featured the unveiling of Mrs. Justina Azuka, widow of the late Mr. Justice Azuka, as the candidate for Onitsha 1 State Constituency. Her husband was reportedly kidnapped and later found dead. Mr. Chidi Amamgbo was presented as the candidate for Anambra South Senatorial District.

Chief Ralph Nwosu, immediate past National Chairman of ADC, who handed over the party flag to the candidates, expressed confidence that the coalition would change the leadership narrative in Anambra. He noted that the ADC coalition includes members from the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party, which he believes strengthens their chances of victory.

"The by-election will be the first victory for the ADC Coalition, and with our wide membership base, Nwosu will be the next Anambra governor," Chief Nwosu stated, urging party faithful to mobilize at their polling units, wards, and local governments for the coalition's victory.

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