Who Is Nicholas Ukachukwu? The Man APC Is Banking On To Take Over Anambra In 2025 Full Details

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially presented Dr. Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as its governorship candidate for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election.

The seasoned businessman-turned-politician is set to face off against the incumbent governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), as well as leading contenders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).

Ukachukwu emerged as the APC flagbearer after a decisive victory in the party’s primary election held earlier this year. His candidacy was formally ratified on April 19, 2025, when the former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, presented him with the Certificate of Return.

According to the APC National Working Committee (NWC), which approved the report submitted by the primary election committee chaired by Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, Ukachukwu clinched the ticket with 1,455 votes.

To strengthen the APC’s chances in the state, Ukachukwu has chosen Ekwunife Uche Lilian as his running mate — a move the party describes as a “strategic blend of political experience and grassroots connection.”

Popularly known as “Ikukuoma Ndi Igbo,” Ukachukwu has pledged to deliver a prosperous, self-sustaining, and people-oriented Anambra State, focusing on job creation, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and transparent governance.

His campaign slogan, “Anambra ga-adi mma ozo!” (Anambra will be better again), reflects his promise of renewal and progress.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 20, 1967, Nicholas Ukachukwu hails from Dimala Village, Osumenyi, in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. He is the son of Chief Nnadialor Ukachukwu and Madam Loveline Ukachukwu.

He attended Omaigwe Primary School, Osumenyi, and later Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha.

Ukachukwu obtained a B.Sc. in Business Administration from the University of Calabar and was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration by Tansian University, Anambra State, in 2016.

Business Empire and Achievements

Ukachukwu’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1987. Over the years, he built the SNECOU Group Limited, a diversified conglomerate with investments spanning oil and gas, construction, real estate, agriculture, media, and education.

His major real estate developments include Prince & Princess Estate, Good Homes Estate, and Shalom Villa Estate — all in Abuja — in partnership with the Federal Government.

He is also the founder of the British Nigeria Academy and the European University of Nigeria (EUN).

Ukachukwu serves as Chairman of several companies, including SNECOU Financial Services, Niccus Industries Ltd, and Phil-Tech Oil & Gas Services Ltd.

Political Career

Ukachukwu’s political career began in 1997 when he was elected Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) — becoming the first non-indigene to hold that position.

In 1999, he won a seat in the House of Representatives under the PDP, representing the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency.

During his tenure, he chaired the House Committee on FCT, facilitating shop allocations for Ndi-Igbo in Wuse Market and the construction of Dei-Dei Market. He also served as Chairman of the House Committee on Oil and Gas.

Though he was elected Senator for Anambra South in 2003, his victory was nullified.

Ukachukwu later contested for Anambra governorship under PPA (2006) and HDP (2010), and ran for the Senate on the APGA platform in 2019. His 2025 governorship bid under the APC marks his most high-profile political ambition yet.

Philanthropy and Humanitarian Efforts

Beyond politics and business, Ukachukwu is widely recognized for his philanthropy. He has funded scholarships, healthcare programs, and youth empowerment initiatives across Anambra and Nigeria.

He continues to invest in human capital development through skill acquisition projects and has created thousands of jobs through his companies.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Ukachukwu’s contributions to business and nation-building have earned him several awards, including:

• Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) – 2008

• ALGON Philanthropic Personality of the Year Award

• NUJ Man of the Year Award

• Recognition by the World Trade Organization (WTO)

• International Honors from the State of Ohio, USA

Personal Life

Nicholas Ukachukwu was married to the late Mrs. Nnenna Ukachukwu, with whom he had five children, until her passing in 2020.

In December 2023, he remarried Mitchel Ihezue, the reigning Miss Universe Nigeria 2023.