The All Progressives Grand Alliance’s Commitment to Transparent Primaries for the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has affirmed its dedication to conducting free, fair, and transparent primary elections for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025. The party leadership has emphasized its commitment to providing a level playing field for all aspirants, ensuring that no bias or favoritism influences the selection process. This commitment underscores APGA’s dedication to internal democracy and sets a precedent for transparent political processes in Nigeria.
APGA’s commitment to transparency is evident in its public release of the primary election timetable, outlining the specific activities and dates for the exercise. This open approach allows all interested parties to understand the process and ensures accountability. The party’s media aide, Tony Olisa-Mbeki, speaking on behalf of the National Chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa, reiterated APGA’s dedication to fairness, assuring aspirants of equal opportunity to participate in the primaries. He explicitly stated that the process would be the "most transparent ever witnessed in the history of party politics."
One of the most significant aspects of APGA’s approach is its decision to open the contest to challengers of the incumbent governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo. While acknowledging the conventional practice of granting incumbent governors, who typically hold the position of national party leader, the right of first refusal, APGA has opted for a more democratic approach. This decision signifies a departure from traditional political norms and underscores the party’s commitment to fostering genuine competition within its ranks. By encouraging challenges to the incumbent, APGA aims to promote a more vibrant and participatory internal democratic process.
The decision to open the race to other aspirants demonstrates APGA’s confidence in its internal democratic processes. The party believes that this open competition will not only strengthen the party but also identify the most suitable candidate to represent APGA in the governorship election. It is a clear signal that APGA is prioritizing the selection of the best candidate over simply endorsing the incumbent. This strategy allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the candidates’ capabilities and allows party members to actively participate in the selection process.
The cost of the nomination and expression of interest forms has been set at N30 million, a significant sum intended to ensure that only serious contenders enter the race. This fee also contributes to the funding of the primaries and other party activities. However, APGA has also demonstrated sensitivity to the financial constraints faced by certain demographics. Female aspirants and physically challenged individuals are offered a 5% discount on the nomination form, reflecting the party’s commitment to inclusivity and encouraging the participation of diverse groups in the political process. This discount underscores APGA’s recognition of the importance of diverse representation in leadership positions.
The party’s National Organising Secretary, Ifeanyi Mbaeri, officially announced the N30 million fee and released the primary election timetable, confirming that the special state congress and governorship primary election will be held on April 5. This advance notice allows aspirants ample time to prepare their campaigns and mobilize support within the party. The clear timelines and transparent procedures contribute to a more organized and credible primary election process. This organized approach further reinforces APGA’s commitment to conducting a fair and transparent primary election, signaling a departure from opaque political practices and setting a positive example for other political parties in Nigeria. By embracing transparency and inclusivity, APGA aims to solidify its reputation as a party committed to democratic principles and the best interests of the people of Anambra State.
