Anambra 2025: Ozigbo Rejects APC Gubernatorial Primary Win

Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, who previously served as a chieftain of the Labour Party and now aims for a position within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed the results of the party’s primary election conducted at Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center in Awka on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

The denial was included in a statement he personally authored and provided to journalists in Awka on Tuesday.

Ozigbo mentioned that he has submitted an official appeal to the APC Gubernatorial Primary Appeals Committee, claiming that the election of Mr. Nicholas Ukachukwu as the party’s candidate involved widespread fraud, procedural missteps, and breaches of democratic principles.

"Yesterday, I officially filed a petition with the Appeals Committee of our esteemed party, the APC. This process, as evidenced by various indicators, amounted to nothing more than a sham—a meticulously planned theft aimed at producing a preordained result," Ozigbo stated in his writing.

Ozigbo claimed that due to extensive manipulation, voter disenfranchisement, and opaque voting procedures, the election broke both the internal regulations of the party and the wider principles of equity and responsibility inherent in a democratic framework.

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Ozigbo, who switched to the APC in February following a period with the Labour Party and a 2021 gubernatorial bid under the PDP, stated that he framed his protest as a defense of democratic principles rather than a personal issue.

"This goes beyond my personal situation. It concerns the very essence of our democratic principles. It’s about the values we uphold as a society. And it’s about the legacy we leave for our children. The deception on April 5 was not only an injustice towards me but, more importantly, a betrayal of the people of Ndi Anambra," he further stated.

According to political observers, Ozigbo is considered one of the strongest figures in Anambra politics, known for his broad appeal among young voters, an unblemished reputation, and a distinctive capability to connect Nigeria’s business and governmental sectors.

Experts additionally assert that he stands as the sole candidate from the APC who boasts both a contemporary voter support network and an ability to attract supporters across party lines, positioning him strongly against incumbent Governor Charles Soludo in the upcoming November election.

With an attitude that conveyed both defiance and inspiration, Ozigbo stood firm on his choice to stay with the APC and persist in the struggle from within the party ranks.

"I won't be sidetracked. I refuse to go running to the Senate or shift towards some other political chance out of personal ambition. Instead, I'll remain steadfast within the APC and will wage this righteous battle until it reaches a fair conclusion," he asserted firmly.

Disregarding political convenience, Ozigbo stressed that his entry into politics has consistently been driven by a desire to serve rather than to gain power.

"I am not merely atransactionalpolitician. My aim in seekingpoweris tocreatechange,to reinstilldignity,growemployment,safeguardlives,and illuminatethepathforthenextgeneration," he asserted.

Ozigbo drew parallels between global and biblical liberation movements, such as the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and Mandela’s journey to freedom, to position his campaign within a broader struggle for justice and change in Anambra State.

"Oppression invariably resists before it collapses. This is what we see now: the final struggles of a system terrified by transformation. I caution political leaders that the future cannot be bought off or intimidated. The public is observing. History is documenting," he added emphatically.

Speaking directly to the national leaders of the APC, Ozigbo called upon them to correct what he termed a significant mistake. He emphasized that this election represents a crucial juncture, one that impacts more than just Anambra—it tests the integrity of the APC as a political entity and speaks to the very essence of our country.

He stated that the party still has an opportunity to correct past mistakes and put forward a candidate who could genuinely triumph and lead effectively.

He ended the statement with his characteristic call to action, "Ka Anambra Chawapu," which means "Let Anambra Glow More Brilliantly."

With political tensions rising in the state prior to the November 2025 gubernatorial election, everyone is looking towards the APC Appeals Committee. The committee may reconsider the initial result of the primaries, which have been criticized heavily by opponents like Ozigbo for being deeply flawed.

In a public announcement following the APC Anambra governorship primaries conducted on April 5, 2025, Ozigbo stated: "Dear colleagues, allies, esteemed party members, and fellow Ndị Anambra, allow me to start by giving praise to God Almighty, who provides us with strength, favor, and insight. Even during times of hardship, His illumination never fades away. Each new day brings renewed compassion from Him, which fills my heart with immense thankfulness."

Earlier today, I officially filed a petition with the Appeals Committee of our esteemed party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). This petition contests the purported primary election held in Anambra on April 5, 2025. In my view, this process clearly lacked integrity; it appeared as nothing more than an elaborate scheme aimed at producing a preordained result.

The information has now been made public: individuals not affiliated with any party filled the delegation lists; true loyalists of the party were excluded or forcefully prevented from casting their votes; accreditation processes were either bypassed or tampered with; and vote counting occurred without any transparency.

This goes beyond just myself. It’s about the essence of our democratic system. About the principles we uphold. And about the legacy we leave for our children.

Many people now wonder, 'Val, what’s your plan moving forward?' To this query, my response remains clear and unwavering: I intend to continue as before. Entering politics was never about enhancing my status, garnering praise, or seeking positions; rather, it was driven by a desire to contribute to an era where honesty returns to our governmental processes. It has always been about fostering accountability within leadership and establishing the type of nation everyone can proudly call home.

My objective is crystal clear: to serve Ndi Anambra with humility, vision, and excellence. This mission started well before April 5, and it will extend far past that day’s betrayal.

I will remain focused and undistracted. I won’t head to the Senate or shift towards another political chance merely to satisfy my ambitions. Instead, I’ll stay strong within the APC and continue this worthy battle until justice prevails, as the people of Anambra and our democratic values deserve nothing less.

History shows us that liberty is not granted easily; it has to be seized through struggle. From the American Civil Rights Movement to Nelson Mandela's journey to freedom, and even Moses guiding the Israelites out of Egypt, along with Nigeria’s battle for independence from Britain—all these examples illustrate how suppression resists fiercely until it finally crumbles. This resistance mirrors what we see now: the desperate attempts of an outdated system fearing transformation. Yet, Anambra needs genuine progress. It shall occur.

Allow me to clarify: I am not a politician who pursues power merely as a transaction. My aim is not to grasp authority for personal gain but rather to wield it to bring about change, reinstate respect, generate employment opportunities, ensure safety, and illuminate the way forward for future generations. The deceit perpetrated on April 5 was not only an injustice towards myself; it also constituted a robbery from the people of Ndi Anambra.

To those who orchestrated that manipulation, let me state: the future cannot be bought off or intimidated. People are observing closely. History is taking notes.

To our supporters, the dreamers, the believers, the valiant ones, and the dedicated architects of this movement, I convey this message: Keep your spirits high. Our mission endures. Remain resilient. Maintain hope. We shall not retreat. We shall not be broken.

"Let’s emphasize to the APC that this election is a crucial juncture, not only for Anambra but also for the integrity of our party and the essence of our country. The party still has an opportunity to correct this mistake and put forward a candidate capable of winning and effectively leading," Ozigbo stated at the end.

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