The political landscape in Anambra State is heating up as the November 8, 2025 governorship election draws closer. A fierce rivalry has erupted between the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the state’s ruling party, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the APC’s governorship primary election which declared Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu as its flagbearer. APGA has launched a scathing attack on the integrity of the primary, alleging manipulation and irregularities, and accusing Ukachukwu of hijacking the process. The APC, in turn, has vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing them as desperate attempts by a threatened incumbent party to cling to power. This escalating exchange of accusations sets the stage for a potentially contentious election season.
The controversy stems from the APC primary held on April 5 at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka. Ukachukwu secured a landslide victory, garnering 1,455 votes and dwarfing his closest rival, Valentine Ozigbo, who received only 67 votes. However, the primary was marred by the withdrawal of several prominent aspirants, including Sir Paul Chukwuma, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, and Chief Chukwuma Umeoji, who cited “massive irregularities” and “controversial decisions” as their reasons for stepping down. These withdrawals, coupled with Ukachukwu’s overwhelming victory margin, fueled APGA’s accusations of a manipulated process. APGA spokesperson, Chinedu Obigwe, questioned Ukachukwu’s integrity, citing the pre-primary withdrawals and the alleged irregularities as indicative of a flawed process.
APGA’s offensive against Ukachukwu has intensified, extending beyond the primary process itself. Obigwe leveled serious accusations against Ukachukwu, alleging that he bribed APC leaders with houses and millions of dollars to secure the party’s ticket. He further characterized Ukachukwu’s church visits as a deceptive campaign strategy designed to create a false impression of APC support in Anambra State. Obigwe urged Anambra voters to disregard Ukachukwu and instead support the re-election bid of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, whom he praised for diligently fulfilling his 2021 campaign promises. These pointed attacks underscore the growing animosity between the two parties and suggest a potentially acrimonious election campaign ahead.
In a swift response, Arinzechukwu Awogu, spokesperson for the APC candidate, dismissed APGA’s claims as baseless and refused to engage in a detailed rebuttal. He characterized APGA’s actions as those of a “drowning man clutching at straws,” arguing that the ruling party is desperate and fearful of the growing popularity of Ukachukwu and the APC. Awogu maintained that the April 5 primary was conducted transparently, credibly, and democratically, asserting that APGA’s attacks are a testament to the APC’s rising influence in Anambra State. This stark contrast in narratives underscores the deep divide between the two parties and sets the scene for a potentially fierce electoral battle.
The developing narrative surrounding the Anambra governorship election highlights the complex interplay of political ambition, party rivalries, and allegations of impropriety. While APGA has adopted an aggressive stance, questioning the legitimacy of Ukachukwu’s candidacy and portraying him as a manipulative figure, the APC has responded with a dismissive posture, portraying APGA’s attacks as signs of desperation and fear. This dynamic suggests that the upcoming election season will likely be characterized by heated exchanges, fierce campaigning, and potentially legal challenges.
As the election draws nearer, the focus will shift to the candidates’ platforms, their ability to connect with the electorate, and the overall political climate in Anambra State. Whether APGA’s attacks will gain traction with voters or be dismissed as politically motivated mudslinging remains to be seen. The election outcome will ultimately depend on the choices made by the Anambra electorate, who will weigh the competing narratives and decide the future leadership of their state. The current war of words, however, foreshadows a highly competitive and potentially controversial election cycle.
