The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has vehemently dismissed the assertions of Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025. Ukachukwu’s declaration during a recent APC rally that the party would demonstrate its dominance in Anambra during the August 16, 2025, State Assembly by-election has been met with strong criticism, particularly from APGA. The party contends that Ukachukwu lacks the necessary electoral clout to secure victory for the APC in any election within the state. APGA’s response, articulated through a press statement issued by Chinedu Obigwe, National Coordinator of the APGA Media Warriors Forum, labels Ukachukwu’s claims as self-deception, emphasizing the APC’s perceived lack of significant presence in Anambra.
Obigwe’s statement underscores the perceived disconnect between Ukachukwu’s pronouncements and the political realities on the ground. He highlights Ukachukwu’s alleged history of electoral defeats in Anambra, citing his unsuccessful bid for the Anambra South Senatorial seat in the 2023 general election, where he lost to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. This, according to APGA, demonstrates Ukachukwu’s lack of electoral viability and casts doubt on his ability to deliver victory for the APC in the upcoming gubernatorial election. The party maintains that Anambra remains an APGA stronghold, with the populace consistently demonstrating their support for APGA candidates due to the party’s perceived track record of good governance and responsiveness to the needs of the people.
The exchange between APGA and Ukachukwu highlights the intense political climate in Anambra State as the governorship election draws closer. Ukachukwu’s confident assertion of APC’s strength in the state and his vow to use the by-election as a proving ground have been met with a forceful rebuttal from APGA. The contrasting perspectives underscore the deep-seated political rivalry between the two parties and set the stage for a potentially contentious gubernatorial race. The by-election, now thrust into the spotlight, is likely to serve as a key indicator of the prevailing political sentiments within the state and may offer insights into the potential outcome of the November governorship poll.
APGA’s firm stance against Ukachukwu’s claims serves to reinforce their position as the dominant political force in Anambra. By emphasizing their historical electoral success and highlighting Ukachukwu’s past defeats, APGA seeks to undermine his credibility and portray him as a candidate lacking the necessary support to mount a serious challenge. The party’s assertion that Anambra is “APGA land” reflects their confidence in maintaining their grip on power in the state. This assertion also serves as a rallying cry to their supporters, emphasizing the importance of continued loyalty to the party. The political rhetoric employed by both sides underscores the high stakes involved in the upcoming elections and the fierce competition for political dominance in Anambra.
The focus on Ukachukwu’s past electoral performance serves as a key element in APGA’s counter-narrative. By highlighting his previous losses, they aim to discredit his current aspirations and present him as a candidate with a history of failure. This tactic serves to both undermine Ukachukwu’s credibility and bolster APGA’s own image as the party with a proven track record of success. The emphasis on Ukachukwu’s loss to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah further underscores this point, reminding voters of his previous defeat and implicitly suggesting that a similar outcome is likely in the upcoming gubernatorial election. This strategy aims to discourage potential APC supporters and solidify APGA’s base.
The upcoming State Assembly by-election has become a focal point in the escalating political tensions between APGA and APC. Ukachukwu’s assertion that the by-election will serve as a demonstration of APC’s strength in Anambra has been met with skepticism and outright dismissal by APGA. The by-election, initially a relatively minor event, now carries significant weight as it is viewed as a potential bellwether for the upcoming gubernatorial election. The outcome of the by-election is likely to be closely scrutinized by both parties, and the results will likely influence their strategies and messaging in the lead-up to the November polls. The heightened attention surrounding the by-election reflects the intense competition between APGA and APC for political control in Anambra State.
