CLAIM: “Newly completed Saint Stephen Road, Onitsha, Anambra State, has been washed away after seven days of consistent rain.”

VERIFICATION: FALSE

FULL STORY

A post circulating on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, states that rain has damaged a road constructed by Governor Soludo at St Stephen Road in Onitsha. The accompanying video features a voice-over in Ibo with English captions and shows a section of road with potholes and what appears to be coal tar.

The viral video claimed that heavy rain destroyed St. Stephen Road in Onitsha less than a month after Governor Soludo opened it, calling his removal from office a “solemn duty.”

The viral claim has generated 9k views and 207 reposts, thereby raising mixed reactions on social media among users who are either supporting the claim or decrying it.

Some of the comments under the post are:

@Thomphil95: “They did surface dressing. As the rain washed it away, may Soludo be washed away from the leadership of Anambra state.

@Obidike: “This David no fit kill golliat.Soludo is working, but

for those that have eyes and don’t want to see, we can’t help them”.

@truthvalid “Soludo can never use a world-class construction company for his useless project. I’m sick of him”

@princejambana “Soludo can never use a world-class construction company for his useless project. I’m sick of him”

This post is published at a pivotal time for Anambra State, as preparations are underway for the upcoming off-cycle governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025. Political parties across the state have deepened their campaigns.

The incumbent, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, is among the leading candidates in the state as he seeks re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance. Similarly, candidates from fifteen other political parties are also contesting for the gubernatorial seat.

Verification

 NDRfactcheck discovered that the purported viral image circulating on social media is not the St Stephen Road in Onitsha, Anambra State. The verification indicated that the road remains intact and has not been damaged by rain. Some sections of the Saint Stephen by Ibekwe Road have rough edges and require cleaning. Overall, the road is passable and in serviceable condition, which contrasts with the previously reported claim.

To verify this claim, NDRfactcheck contacted Miss Ukpa Ewa Eke, a journalist with Nigeria Newshours based in Anambra, to report on the condition of St. Stephen Road. She confirmed that the road is currently in good condition.

In her confirmation, Miss Eke, who is also a resident of the state, sent videos of what the road looks like.  The videos documented the road from start to finish, capturing each junction. According to the footage, St. Stephen appeared well-maintained, with no potholes visible.  There are no signs of road washouts. From Emmanuel Church junction through Ibekwe junction to Okosun Road, the road remains intact and in good condition. Except for some remaining red sand, the road is in good condition. The videos showed tricycles and bikes on the smooth road.

For further findings, NDRfactcheck also contacted the Chief Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor, Christian Aburime, asking him about the veracity of the viral claim via text message, and he responded that the claim is not true.

The spread of false information can influence the electoral process in Nigeria; addressing this issue may help prevent confusion among voters.

Conclusion

NDRfactcheck confirms that the claim about St Stephen’s Road in Onitsha being washed away after 7 days of rain is false.

Please follow and like us: