Claim: X user claimed that the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Soludo, is empowering Anambra youth with masquerade uniforms.

Verdict: The viral image and claim that Governor Soludo empowered Anambra youths with masquerade uniforms are false.

Context

X user, Tobi Akinbo J. @realTobiAkinbo on the 6th October, 2025, claimed that the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Soludo, is empowering Anambra youth with masquerade uniforms. The post featured an image of individuals dressed in masquerade costumes with a caption that read: “The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Soludo, empowers Anambra youths with masquerade uniforms and accessories. Code Name: ‘Youth Empowerment Solution’… A Solution for the hungry youthful and upcoming gods of the land.”

Anambra State is one of the off-cycle states whose elections are conducted separately, which doesn’t fall in the general election year in Nigeria due to the controversy that happened in the state, where it is the only state that paraded five governors under controversial circumstances between 1999 and 2007, including one who spent just 14 days in office. Finally, Mr Obi returned as governor and governed until March 17, 2014, when his anointed successor, Mr Obiano, was sworn in as governor. Mr Obiano will thus complete his two terms on March 16, 2022, when he leaves the office. Professor Charles Soludo emerged as the winner of the election. The dramatic twists and turns in the state’s political and electoral history account for why Anambra conducts stand-alone elections for the governorship seat. 

The timing of the viral claim is particularly significant, as Anambra prepares for its off-cycle governorship election scheduled for November 2025, a period often characterised by heightened political propaganda and the spread of misleading content aimed at shaping voter perception. This made NDRCheck investigate.

Screenshot of the claim 

Verification

A reverse image search of the viral photo revealed that the image originated from a campaign rally organised by a group of traditionalists in support of Governor Charles Soludo’s second-term re-election bid. The photo was first shared on an Anambra-based Facebook page, showing cultural performers dressed in masquerade attire during the event. 

Screenshot from an Anambra Facebook page

Additionally, there are no credible reports from verified media outlets, official government handles, or the Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development confirming any such empowerment initiative. A check on Governor Soludo’s verified X handle (@CCSoludo) and the official Anambra State Government website revealed no mention of such a program.

Conclusion 

The viral image and claim that Governor Soludo empowered Anambra youths with masquerade uniforms are false. The picture is unrelated to any official government empowerment initiative and was misrepresented to spread misinformation. 

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