• APC aspirant Okonkwo pulls out of process
Anambra governor, Chukwuma Soludo yesterday won the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship primary in the state.
Soludo was declared winner at the primary held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, amidst tight security and under the watch of the officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governor, vying for a second term, polled 3,171 votes from the 3,175 accredited delegates across the 326 political wards in the state.
He was confirmed with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote in the primary election.
While presenting the party’s nomination certificate to the governor, Chairman of APGA Primary Election Electoral Committee, Chief Uchenna Nwegbo, said the process was in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.
Nwegbo said that Soludo’s unanimous adoption as the sole candidate of the party for the Nov. 8 governorship election also adhered to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Reacting, the governor praised APGA officials for organising what he called a well-structured exercise.
He also commended the delegates for their disciplined conduct and expressed gratitude to the people for their trust and support.
“Never before in Anambra’s history has there been such a wide consensus. I am truly humbled, and I assure you that I will not let APGA and the people of Anambra down.
“We will continue to work to deepen our vision of infrastructure development, human capital investment, security and economic transformation.
“Anambra has not seen anything yet. Our agenda is loaded and we will continue the progress unbroken,” he said.
In a related development, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), George Muoghalu, yesterday clinched Labour Party’s governorship ticket ahead of the November 8, 2025, elections in the state.
Muoghalu polled 575 votes at the party’s primary held in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The primary election was monitored by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as the party’s electoral team and other observers.
Muoghalu’s co-contender, John Nwosu, who had withdrawn from the contest earlier on Saturday, still garnered nineteen votes.
Reacting to his victory, Muoghalu said the party’s trust in him would not be misplaced as the defining moment for Anambra has come, adding that it was the time to build a prosperous and an inclusive state.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) was yet to elect its candidate at press time.
About 1,630 delegates were set in Awka, last night to elect the flag bearer of the party for the November 8th Anambra State governorship election.
At the time of filing this report, most of the delegates had been accredited, waiting for voting.
Seven aspirants had earlier bought nomination and expression of interest forms to contest the ticket, but only four aspirants were left as at 7:30 pm yesterday.
The aspirants are: Hon. Nicolas Ukachukwu, Chief Valentine Ozigbo, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo and Hon. Edozie Madu.
Those that have pulled out from the race based on their official statements include: Hon. Chukwuma Umoeji, Sir Paul Chukwuma and Prof. Obiora Okwonko.
Earlier in the day, the Chairman of the Anambra Governorship Primary Election Committee and Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, had a series of meetings with various sub-committees in order to ensure a hitch-free process.
Sir Paul Chukwuma cited the existence of some unprogressive elements within the party as reason for his withdrawal and resignation from the party. On his part, Okonkwo cited violence which may endanger his supporters if he continues, as the reason for his withdrawal.
Okonkwo’s letter reads, “After a careful evaluation, and reflection, on the current state of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election process in Anambra State, I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the party’s governorship ticket.
“This decision to withdraw from the race was a difficult but necessary one because of some developments that are inconsistent with my principles and values. The project is not worth risking the lives of my supporters among other reasons.
“However, my passion for public service remains strong, and I will continue contributing to the socio-economic and political development of Anambra State and our country, Nigeria.
“I will also continue to help in ways I can towards the realization of President Bola Tinubu’s development programmes and the economic growth of our country, for the good of our countrymen and women.
“I appreciate the trust and support my political associates, supporters and stakeholders in the APC and other places have shown me. Your support has meant a lot. and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have connected with so many committed and passionate Anambrarians,” he wrote.
The Anambra State chairman of the party, Sir Basil Ejidike, has, however, described allegations of anomalies in the primary election process as untrue.
He said “those discrediting the ongoing primary election of the All Progressives Congress APC in Anambra State are the opposition group. Things are going smoothly without any form of chaos and violence as being propagated by the enemies of the party.
“APC has no problem with the primary election, everything is going well, but you know politics is a game of number and the aspirants want to get as many delegates as possible to their side.”
PDP postpones Anambra governorship primary to April 8
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has shifted its Anambra governorship primary from April 5 to April 8.
Chidi Chidebe, PDP Anambra chairman, confirmed the development in Awka.
The primary will produce the party’s candidate for the Nov. 8 governorship election.
Chidebe said the National Secretariat approved the shift to complete necessary administrative processes and ensure a smooth exercise.
He described PDP as the most peaceful party in Anambra, ready to contest, united and prepared.
“Our primary election will now hold on Tuesday, April 8.
“With the confusion in other parties, it’s clear that PDP is not the problem,” he said.
He urged members to prioritise public and party interests over personal ambitions.
