Cabinet Dissolved: Governor Soludo Sacks All Appointees 24 Hours After Second-Term Swearing-In

Immediate Handover Ordered

In a swift administrative move, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has directed all political appointees to hand over their duties with immediate effect. The directive, issued on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, comes barely 24 hours after his official inauguration for a second term at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka.

The order was contained in a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Nwabufor Nwankwo. Affected officials have been instructed to transfer all responsibilities to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior civil servants in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) by the close of work today.

Key Highlights of the Directive:

  • Scope of Dissolution: The order affects all commissioners, special advisers, and other political aides appointed during the Governor's first term.

  • Handover Deadline: Handover processes must be completed by the close of business on March 18, 2026.

  • Cabinet Meeting: In a follow-up move, Governor Soludo has summoned all first-term cabinet members to a mandatory meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the ANSEC Chambers.

  • Interim Governance: MDA operations will be overseen by senior civil servants until a new executive council is constituted.

Analysis: A Fresh Mandate and Restructured Team

Soludo’s decision to dissolve the cabinet immediately after his swearing-in is a standard but significant political gesture. By clearing the deck, he signals that his second term—secured with a sweeping victory across all 21 Local Government Areas in the November 2025 election—will involve a rigorous re-evaluation of his team. While many of the outgoing commissioners may be re-appointed, the "immediate handover" requirement suggests a high level of urgency and a possible shift in administrative priorities. As the Governor prepares to unveil his new cabinet, all eyes are on whether he will retain his "technocratic" core or bring in new political allies to stabilize the state’s security and economic landscape for the next four years.

"All political appointees are to hand over... on or before the close of work today... until a new cabinet is constituted." — Official SSG Circular