Today marks a turning point in Anambra State’s political calendar as three major parties gear up for their governorship primaries—a development that has charged the atmosphere across the state.
While APGA and the PDP are expected to rubber-stamp their single aspirants, the All Progressives Congress (APC) faces a more competitive and tension-filled race, with multiple contenders jostling for the ticket.
For the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the road seems relatively calm. The party recently concluded its screening process for incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo, clearing the path for his official endorsement as the party's flagbearer.
According to APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, the primary promises to be a landmark moment in the party’s history, with over 3,260 delegates expected to vote. The screening exercise was reportedly free from internal wrangling, a rarity in Nigerian politics.
“This isn’t just a formality—it’s a celebration of democratic maturity,” said Opara. “The support for Governor Soludo is overwhelming, and the process has shown that APGA remains a beacon of progressive leadership in Anambra.”
Governor Soludo quietly collected his expression of interest and nomination forms from the APGA National Secretariat in Abuja. Party insiders confirm that his track record has already won him endorsements from key stakeholders, making today’s primary more of a confirmation than a contest.
Over in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) camp, the stage is set for Hon. Jude Nwafor, a relatively unknown figure who emerged as the sole aspirant. With no competition, today’s PDP primary is expected to result in a unanimous affirmation.
Though the party has kept a low profile, insiders suggest that PDP's leadership is banking on a quiet approach to consolidate internal unity ahead of the general election.
The Labour Party’s primary election, originally scheduled alongside the others, has been postponed. The delay follows a recent Supreme Court ruling surrounding the position of the party’s National Chairman—an issue that has created uncertainty about its internal leadership.
Two aspirants, Mr. John Nwosu and Dr. George Moghalu, were expected to battle it out for the ticket. However, the party now finds itself in limbo until legal and structural issues are resolved.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) finds itself knee-deep in pre-primary turmoil. Initially boasting a strong lineup of aspirants—Paul Chukwuma, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, Hon. Edozie Madu, Valentine Ozigbo, and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu—the list has already seen one high-profile exit.
Yesterday, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji officially resigned from the APC, citing irreconcilable differences with what he described as "unprogressive elements" within the state chapter.
“We built this party from the grassroots,” he told supporters at his Umueri home in Anambra East LGA. “But I can't work under a leadership that stifles progress. My loyalty remains with President Bola Tinubu, but I refuse to play politics with people who don't share our vision for Anambra.”
Further stoking tensions within the APC is the ongoing dispute over the delegate list for the primary. Several prominent party officials and grassroots leaders claim their names were suspiciously omitted.
According to party member Iyke Orji, the state Publicity Secretary, Val Oliobi, along with several ward chairmen and even the state Youth Leader, are not included on the official list—a move that has sparked threats of mass resignations.
“Every known supporter of Paul Chukwuma was shut out,” Orji alleged. “We’ve been told that Nicholas Ukachukwu and the state chairman conspired to stack the list with loyalists.”
The controversy has cast a cloud over what should have been a show of internal democracy and has left the APC struggling to maintain a united front.
The upcoming election isn’t just about who wins a party ticket—it’s about the future direction of Anambra State. With major players like APGA leaning on incumbent power, PDP banking on quiet consolidation, APC locked in an internal tug-of-war, and Labour Party navigating legal hurdles, the race is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable yet.
Political observers are keeping a close eye on developments, particularly within the APC, where tensions could either implode or produce a dark horse.
As Anambra’s 2025 governorship primaries unfold, today’s outcomes could set the tone for the general election. While Soludo’s re-election bid through APGA seems sealed, and the PDP’s path looks unchallenged, the APC’s internal crisis and Labour Party’s delay add an air of uncertainty to the race.
Will today mark a step toward political stability—or signal deeper cracks within the state’s political framework? Time, as always, will tell.