Nonye Soludo, wife of Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, has threatened legal action against Uche Ekwunife, a former senator, over an allegation of infidelity.
Ekwunife, deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Anambra gubernatorial election, had alleged in a viral video that Soludo and his wife were part of the administration of the late Chinwoke Mbadinuju, who was the governor of the state from 1999 to 2003.
The former senator alleged that the administration of the late Mbadinuju failed Anambra state.
However, in a statement on Saturday, Soludo said Ekwunife had spread “malicious claims” about her family and warned that a lawsuit would follow unless the remarks were retracted within 72 hours.
The governor’s wife said she would not “descend” to Ekwunife’s “fabricated” claims but challenged her to prove her allegations.
The Anambra first lady said her patience was tested after her children were dragged into political battle, describing the attacks as evidence of a deliberate attempt to inflict harm.
“For starters, let me repeat three verifiable facts. One, I have never worked for anyone in my life. I have been a professional and an entrepreneur all my adult life. Two, I never met Dr Mbadinuju of blessed memory in my life. Three, in my 55 years on planet earth, I have known only one man, Chukwuma Soludo,” she said.
“Many urged me to ignore Uche Ekwunife because she has a reputation for targeting the families of male opponents.”
Soludo’s wife said her response would be guided by “decency, character and grace”, insisting she was prepared for a “long-distance marathon” against the ex-senator.
The first lady noted she had always lived a quiet life and disliked politics because of the “shameless obscenities” associated with it.
“I have never depended on public funds, and I do not have any budget as first lady of Anambra,” she said.
“I have known only one man, Chukwuma Soludo, whom I married as a virgin, and I remain faithful after 33 years of marriage.”
Soludo challenged Ekwunife to take an oath of fidelity and chastity before the Catholic Church, swearing alongside their children.
“Since she claims to be a converted Catholic, I challenge her and both of us to swear an oath of fidelity and chastity at any cathedral in front of the Blessed Sacrament,” she said.
“I will also swear with my children that I have known only one man — Chukwuma Soludo.”
Soludo also proposed DNA tests for both families, to be conducted in three London hospitals, adding that she would pay all expenses.
“As a businesswoman, I will pay for your and your family’s travels as well as the tests,” she said.
“If the results confirm your husband is the father of all your children, I will congratulate you with a cash award.”
Soludo also dismissed Ekwunife’s attacks on her husband as “laughable outbursts of frustration”, insisting the governor was “too clean and too sophisticated” to engage.
