The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has vehemently refuted allegations made by Valentine Ozigbo, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, of financially supporting the APC candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, to undermine the APC’s strength in the state. Ozigbo, who was the runner-up to Ukachukwu in the APC governorship primary, made these claims during a televised interview, sparking a swift and critical response from APGA.
APGA, through its National Coordinator of Media Warriors Forum, Chinedu Obigwe, dismissed Ozigbo’s accusations as “laughable” and born out of desperation. Obigwe asserted that Ozigbo’s political misfortunes are self-inflicted, stemming from his own miscalculations and strategic blunders. He argued that the APC in Anambra State is virtually non-existent, citing a previous admission by the state’s APC leadership to former Vice President Yemi Osibanjo during President Buhari’s tenure. This confession, according to Obigwe, acknowledged the party’s lack of substantial presence in the state.
Obigwe questioned the logic of Ozigbo’s claim, emphasizing that a non-existent party poses no threat to Governor Soludo and therefore requires no intervention to weaken. He urged Ozigbo to face reality and abandon what he termed a “fake and pretentious lifestyle.” APGA categorically denied any connection between Governor Soludo and Ukachukwu, stating that Soludo is not involved in funding Ukachukwu’s campaign and that the two politicians are not on the same level.
The core of APGA’s rebuttal revolves around the assertion that the APC in Anambra State lacks a substantial presence, thereby negating the need for Soludo to undertake any actions to weaken it. They portray Ozigbo’s accusations as a desperate attempt to shift blame for his political setbacks. APGA’s response effectively dismisses the allegations as baseless and illogical, highlighting the perceived weakness of the APC in the state.
This exchange highlights the political dynamics within Anambra state, where inter-party rivalries and accusations of manipulation are common. Ozigbo’s allegations and APGA’s strong rebuttal underscore the intense competition between the two parties as they vie for political dominance in the state. The situation also reveals the internal struggles within the APC, with Ozigbo’s statements potentially reflecting internal divisions and frustrations within the party.
The ongoing political maneuvering in Anambra State sets the stage for a potentially contentious election season. The accusations and counter-accusations illustrate the high stakes involved and the lengths to which parties are willing to go to gain an advantage. The situation also underscores the importance of verifying claims and scrutinizing the motivations behind political statements, particularly in the charged atmosphere of electoral competition.
