Ifeanyi Ibezi’s Defection: A Ripple in Anambra’s Political Landscape
The political landscape of Anambra State experienced a notable shift with the defection of Ifeanyi Ibezi, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the House of Representatives, to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Ibezi, who represented Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the 9th National Assembly, publicly announced his decision during a gathering of his political associates at his residence in Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area. This move has injected a new dynamic into the upcoming Anambra gubernatorial election, raising questions about the APC’s prospects and bolstering Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s chances of re-election.
Ibezi’s departure from the APC stems primarily from his dissatisfaction with the party’s governorship primary election, which he characterized as a "charade." The outcome of the primary, which saw Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu emerge as the APC’s flagbearer, deeply disillusioned Ibezi, who believed the party had failed to field a credible and electable candidate. This perceived lack of seriousness in the APC’s approach to governance and electoral victory ultimately led him to seek an alternative political path.
In a clear demonstration of his newfound allegiance, Ibezi pledged his unwavering support for Governor Soludo’s re-election bid. He expressed his conviction in Soludo’s leadership and his commitment to ensuring the governor’s victory in the November election. Drawing a parallel to his past electoral successes in delivering Idemili North and South for both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Soludo, Ibezi asserted his ability to mobilize significant voter support for the incumbent governor. His endorsement of Soludo underscores his belief in the governor’s performance and his vision for Anambra’s continued development.
Ibezi’s defection comes amidst growing internal turmoil within the Anambra APC. The party has been grappling with discontent among its members, particularly following the withdrawal of three prominent governorship aspirants – Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Sir Paul Chukwuma, and Chukwuma Umeoji – just hours before the primary election. These aspirants cited irregularities and alleged violent conduct by supporters of a fellow aspirant as their reasons for withdrawing from the race. Their accusations cast a shadow over the integrity of the primary process and further fueled dissatisfaction within the party ranks.
The withdrawal of these key aspirants exposed deep-seated concerns about the fairness and transparency of the APC’s internal processes. Okonkwo, in his statement explaining his withdrawal, emphasized his unwillingness to jeopardize the safety of his supporters by participating in a "manipulated primary." Chukwuma echoed similar sentiments, describing the primary as having been hijacked by "retrogressive forces." These allegations raised questions about the APC’s ability to conduct a credible and democratic primary election, further exacerbating the existing tensions within the party.
Ibezi’s defection, coupled with the withdrawal of other prominent aspirants, has created a significant challenge for the APC in Anambra State. The party now faces the task of uniting its fractured base and regaining the trust of its members ahead of the November gubernatorial election. While the APC grapples with these internal challenges, Governor Soludo and the APGA appear to be gaining momentum, bolstered by Ibezi’s endorsement and the growing discontent within the opposition party. The unfolding political drama in Anambra promises a closely contested election, with the outcome hinging on the ability of the APC to address its internal issues and mount a strong challenge to the incumbent governor.
