The political atmosphere in Anambra State is charged, following the scheduling of governorship primary elections of three political parties for Saturday.
This was as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in a demonstration of its commitment to deepening democratic principles, conducted a seamless screening process for Governor Chukwuma Soludo, paving the way for his candidacy in Saturday’s primary election.
Both the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have just one aspirant each, the All Progressives Congress (APC) parades aspirants, consisting of strong grassroots politicians.
While the APGA parades just the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as its lone aspirant, PDP parades little-known Hon. Jude Nwafor as their aspirant. Both parties will most likely affirm their aspirants and return them as candidates.
However, it was gathered that following the Supreme Court ruling on the position of its National Chairman, the Labour Party’s primary has been postponed.
The Labour Party was to feature two aspirants; Mr. John Nwosu and Dr. George Moghalu.
In APGA, National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Mr. Ejimofor Opara said: “The APGA primary election promises to be a historic event, with over 3,260 delegates set to choose their preferred candidate. The party’s leadership has been praised for its commitment to peaceful and stable politics, with the screening process conducted without any rancour or 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.”
According to a statement from Opara, Governor Soludo, who has been endorsed by various groups and individuals for a second term in office, 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 him fit for the primary election scheduled for 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.
“The APGA primary election promises to be a historic event, with over 3,260 delegates set to choose their preferred candidate. The party’s leadership has been praised for its commitment to peaceful and stable politics, with the screening process conducted without any rancor or 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 said.
In APC the aspirants earlier on Friday were Paul Chukwuma, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, Hon. Edozie Madu, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu.
However, Umeoji, a frontline governorship aspirant in the APC on Friday resigned from the party.
Chukwuma who addressed his supporters in his home in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state, said he left because he could not work with some unprogressive persons 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 per cent for the President of the federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Our agenda is to connect Anambra to the centre.
“We want to have some time to prepare and ensure that we raise the five per cent 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 said.
Earlier, there was rancour in APC as a result of protests about names on the delegates’ list for the election, with some state functionaries threatening to resign.
Mr. Iyke Orji said the APC state Publicity Secretary, Val Oliobi, was among those who have threatened to resign from the party.
“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.
“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,” he added.
