Paragraph 1: Setting the Stage for the Anambra Governorship Primary Election
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has initiated the process for selecting its candidate for the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for 2025. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has designated Saturday, April 5, 2025, as the date for the primary election. This crucial event will take place at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the state capital. The NWC has also established a set of modalities to ensure a transparent and orderly conduct of the primaries, reflecting the party’s commitment to a democratic and credible selection process. This sets the stage for a potentially pivotal moment in Anambra’s political landscape.
Paragraph 2: The Electoral Committee and its Mandate
To oversee the Anambra governorship primary election, APGA’s NWC has appointed a five-member electoral committee. This committee is chaired by Chief Uche Nwegbo, the party’s Deputy National Chairman, South. The committee’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the election adheres to the established guidelines and regulations. Their mandate includes managing the accreditation of delegates and observers, overseeing the voting process, and ensuring a fair and transparent counting of votes. The committee’s composition and responsibilities highlight APGA’s dedication to a properly managed and legitimate internal electoral process.
Paragraph 3: Delegate Accreditation: A Key Element of the Process
The accreditation of delegates is a critical component of the primary election process, designed to ensure that only eligible individuals participate in the selection of the party’s gubernatorial candidate. The process will commence at 8:00 am on the day of the election and will continue until noon. The accreditation exercise will be conducted outside the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, on the road leading to the New Government House. This off-site location aims to streamline the process and minimize congestion at the main venue. Delegates and observers must arrive in a timely manner, as anyone not in the queue by 12:00 pm will not be accredited. This strict adherence to the timeline emphasizes the importance of punctuality and adherence to the established procedures.
Paragraph 4: Identification and Access Control for a Secure Election Environment
To maintain the integrity of the electoral process and prevent unauthorized access, strict identification protocols will be enforced. Delegates and observers are required to present valid identification documents, such as a National ID Card, international passport, voter’s card, or any other government-issued identification. Upon successful accreditation, they will receive identifying tags, which must be worn at all times within the election venue. Access to the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square will be restricted to accredited individuals only. This stringent access control aims to create a secure election environment and prevent any potential disruptions or irregularities.
Paragraph 5: Structured Voting Procedures for Order and Transparency
The voting process itself will be conducted in a structured and organized manner to ensure transparency and efficiency. Delegates will be seated in designated areas according to their respective Local Government Areas (LGAs), facilitating easy identification and management of the voting process. The voting method will be by ballot, with delegates marking either "YES" or "NO" to indicate their choice of candidate. Voting will proceed in alphabetical order by LGA, further enhancing the orderliness of the process. This methodical approach is designed to minimize confusion and ensure a smooth and efficient exercise of the delegates’ voting rights.
Paragraph 6: Adherence to Legal Framework and Guidelines: A Commitment to Credibility
APGA has emphasized its commitment to conducting the primary election in full compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory frameworks. This includes adherence to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022, and the guidelines and regulations established by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for political party primaries. This adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks underscores the party’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible primary election. By adhering to these established standards, APGA seeks to ensure the integrity of its internal democratic processes and maintain public trust in the party’s commitment to the rule of law.
