The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary for the November 8, 2025 election in Anambra State was thrown into chaos on Saturday after suspected thugs, allegedly loyal to one of the aspirants, violently disrupted the delegate accreditation process.
Witnesses reported that the venue’s entrance was seized by private security operatives and armed supporters of the said aspirant, blocking accredited delegates from entering. For hours, the gate remained barricaded, with only individuals displaying the aspirant’s branded identification allowed access.
Delegates supporting rival aspirants were allegedly turned away, harassed, and in some cases, physically assaulted, raising concerns about the integrity of the exercise.
Journalists who came to cover the process were also barred from entering the venue of the accreditation exercise.
Professor Obiora Okonkwo, a prominent aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary in Anambra State, announced his withdrawal from the race, denouncing what he called “developments inconsistent with (his) principles and values”
He said he stepped away from the primary because the process was hijacked by those who trade principles for power. According to Obiora, the brazen manipulation and backroom dealings make a mockery of democracy and he refused to legitimize the charade with his participation or ask his supporters to be sacrificed for a rigged game.
In a statement addressed to his supporters and the people of Anambra, the respected academic and businessman described his decision as “difficult but necessary,” suggesting that the electoral process had been compromised. He expressed particular concern over the safety of his supporters, stating, “The project is not worth risking their lives, among other reasons.”
Despite his withdrawal, Okonkwo reaffirmed his commitment to public service, pledging to continue supporting the socio-economic and political development of Anambra State and Nigeria at large. He also vowed to contribute to President Bola Tinubu’s national development agenda.
The Dikeora of Idemili thanked his associates, supporters, and APC stakeholders for their trust, acknowledging their unwavering backing throughout his campaign. He closed with a solemn appeal: “Above all else, may Anambra succeed for its future generations.”
The state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Dr Valentine Oliobi, who was visibly angry at the development, said “This is a serious matter. This is not just thuggery anymore; there appears to be active collusion with security forces meant to protect us.
“Delegates are being stopped at the gate by some people loyal to an aspirant, and the police are cooperating with them. It is not what the party stands for.”
The Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Organisation also condemned the violence and exclusionary tactics.
Speaking on behalf of one of the aspirants, Valentine Ozigbo’s campaign spokesperson, Ephraim Adiele, decried the development as an attempt to “hijack the primary” through intimidation and force.
“We reject the politics of violence and call for a level playing field,” Adiele said.
As of the time of filing this report, accreditation was still ongoing at the venue while many delegates couldn’t participate.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has emerged as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance for the election.
Soludo, who was returned unopposed, polled over 300 votes during the primary, which was held in Awka on Saturday.
Also, the former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Chief George Moughalu emerged as the candidate of the Labour Party.
Moughalu polled a total of 573 votes to defeat his only rival, John Nwosu, who got 19 votes, at the primary held at Finotel Hotel, Awka, on Saturday.
The primary, which was witnessed by the Independent National Electoral Commission and some electoral observers, had 649 delegates out of which 601 persons were accredited with a record of 592 valid votes cast and five invalid votes.
This is as the Peoples Democratic Party postponed its governorship primary from April 5 to April 8.
The PDP chairman in the state, Chidi Chidebe confirmed the development in Awka during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday.
Chidebe said the National Secretariat approved the postponement to complete necessary administrative processes and ensure a smooth exercise.
“Our primary election will now be held on Tuesday, April 8. With the confusion in other parties, it’s clear that PDP is not the problem,” he said.
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