Actress and politician Chioma Ifemeludike has stirred reactions online after sharing campaign photos ahead of the November 8 Anambra governorship election.
Recall that in April, the African Action Congress (AAC) elected Chioma as its candidate during the party’s primary election. The actress will be contesting against the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and other candidates.
On Tuesday, Chioma posted pictures of herself in a black leather gown with spaghetti straps, writing, “I am the flag bearer of the AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) and I’m proud to say that I’m the best candidate on the November 8, Anambra Gubernatorial election. The lighthouse is about to be lit…”
The post drew mixed reactions from social media users.
A user, Obinna Belonwu, wrote, “You are already the winner because you got all the attributes and ingredients to be the governor.”
Another user, Chimezie, asked, “Your second frame, na so you wan govern Anambra state?”
Kunlay added, “It’s high time we have a baddie as the next governor of Anambra state.”
Owolabi Bayo criticised the pictures, saying, “This is supposed to be politics, not a fashion parade… we need candidates with clear plans and proven capacity, not just fancy slogans and photo ops.”
Reacting to the controversy, a supporter named Chiemezie defended the actress, describing the outrage as moral panic. He said, “Some people still believe a woman’s clothing defines her worth or intellect. Chioma is campaigning to rebuild schools, secure communities, and create jobs as clearly stated in her manifesto.”
Chioma also shared another post on Instagram criticising Governor Soludo’s administration over the poor state of roads in the state. She wrote, “The least we expected was that your government fill up potholes and make roads motorable… Vote right. Vote with conscience.”
On Wednesday, she shared more photos with the caption, “Do not let them gaslight or confuse you. Yes, we can have beauty and brains in one body. Chioma is that woman. Ndi Anambra must vote for social change.”
Omoyele Sowore, chairman of AAC, has also thrown his support behind Chioma. He wrote 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.”
Chioma is the only female candidate in the upcoming election, which will feature contestants from over a dozen political parties.
The actress has promised to prioritise education, job creation, youth empowerment and improved infrastructure, while calling on voters not to sell their votes.
