The political scene in Anambra State is highly charged as three major political parties are set to hold their governorship primary elections today.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has demonstrated its commitment to democratic values by conducting a smooth screening process for Governor Chukwuma Soludo, paving the way for his candidacy in today’s primary election.
Both APGA and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have only one aspirant each, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) has multiple strong grassroots politicians vying for the ticket.
APGA has just one aspirant—Governor Chukwuma Soludo—while the PDP has Hon. Jude Nwafor as its sole aspirant.
Both APGA and PDP are expected to affirm their respective candidates and return them unopposed.
However, it was reported that due to the Supreme Court ruling regarding the position of its National Chairman, the Labour Party’s primary has been postponed.
The Labour Party was initially set to feature two aspirants: Mr. John Nwosu and Dr. George Moghalu.
In APGA, National Publicity Secretary Mr. Ejimofor Opara stated, “The APGA primary election promises to be a historic event, with over 3,260 delegates set to choose their preferred candidate.”
He went on to praise the party leadership for its commitment to peaceful and stable politics, noting that the screening process was free from controversy.
“As the party prepares for the primary election, APGA members and supporters are optimistic about the future of the party and the state. With its emphasis on progressive leadership and solutions-driven governance, APGA is poised to continue making a positive impact in Anambra State.”
Opara further noted that Governor Soludo, who has garnered endorsements from various groups and individuals for a second term, quietly picked up his expression of interest and nomination forms at the APGA National Secretariat in Abuja.
The party’s National Working Committee, led by Ezeokenwa Sly Jr., has certified Soludo as fit for the primary election scheduled for today, April 5, 2025.
“This development marks a significant milestone in the history of Anambra State elections, as Governor Soludo becomes the first aspirant to seek re-election based on his proven track record of performance,” Opara added.
In the APC, a number of aspirants have emerged, including Paul Chukwuma, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, Hon. Edozie Madu, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu.
However, on Friday, Umeoji, a leading governorship aspirant in the APC, resigned from the party.
Chukwuma, who addressed his supporters in his hometown of Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, explained that he left because he could not collaborate with certain individuals in the state leadership of the party.
He said: “We formed APC and have been doing all to take care of it. Ward chairmen are the owners of the party, I have handed my official resignation to the chairman of the party in my ward. My support and loyalty are 100 percent for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Our agenda is to connect Anambra to the center.”
“We want to have some time to prepare and ensure that we raise the five percent we always give the president. The problem has always been with the leaders in Anambra, the president is interested in fixing Nigeria and we will support him but we will not work with some unprogressive elements in Anambra,” he added.
Earlier, there was unrest within the APC following protests over the delegate list for the election.
Some state functionaries even threatened to resign.
Mr. Iyke Orji reported that the APC state Publicity Secretary, Val Oliobi, was among those considering resignation because he was excluded from the delegate list.
“He wants to resign because he was not included in the delegate list for tomorrow’s election. Even ward chairmen, youth leaders, and zonal leaders didn’t make the list. The Anambra State APC Legal Adviser didn’t make the list, same as the state Youth Leader. In short, every single person supporting Paul Chukwuma didn’t make the list.”
Orji also claimed, “We have been informed that Nicholas Ukachukwu connived with the state chairman to produce a list where he inserted the name of all his boys.”
