Anambra guber: Ozigbo calls for fresh APC primary, wants Ukachukwu disqualified

A governorship aspirant in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Anambra State, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, on Friday approached the Federal High Court in Awka to challenge the legitimacy of the April 5, 2025 exercise held at the Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka.

The suit, which lists the APC, Mr Nicholas Ukachukwu, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants, seeks to nullify Ukachukwu’s nomination and have the court compel the party to recognise Ozigbo as the rightful candidate.

In a personal statement titled “For a Future Worth Fighting For,” Ozigbo described the primary as a sham. “When institutions falter, it is the duty of conscience to rise. I have taken that stand—not for self, but for truth, for justice, and for Ndi Anambra,” he said.

He insisted that the primary did not meet the standards of a proper electoral process, calling it “a well-scripted illusion.” He alleged that the delegate list used was unfamiliar even to experienced party members, and that genuine APC members were excluded while violence and disorder prevailed.

“No accreditation, no order; just thugs, violence, and a herd of hired hands masquerading as delegates,” Ozigbo said.

He further contended that Mr Ukachukwu failed to meet the eligibility criteria set out in the APC constitution. “The crux of the matter is that Mr Ukachukwu did not qualify to run under the APC in the first place. He failed to meet the minimum threshold for eligibility. And yet, the party machinery was twisted to serve his ambition,” he added.

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Ozigbo criticised Ukachukwu for what he called a dismissive attitude towards the crisis that has engulfed the state chapter of the party since the controversial primary. “Now, Ukachukwu parades himself, declaring the theatre of deceit that April 5 represents as ‘free and fair.’ It is an insult to the intelligence of our people and a stain on the integrity of our party,” he stated.

“While he fiddles like Emperor Nero, APC in Anambra is burning. The house is on fire; mass resignations, lawsuits, broken trust, and the so-called candidate dances, oblivious to the smoke and embers.”

The suit, filed through his legal counsel led by Umeh Kalu, SAN, and B.C. Igwilo, SAN, is supported by documents including provisions from the party’s constitution, internal communications, and delegate registers.

The court action comes amid mounting internal unrest in the Anambra APC, which has seen resignations from local government and ward executives, as well as defections, in the wake of the disputed primary.

Ozigbo concluded by emphasising the importance of accountability and integrity in party politics. “Our aim is not to fracture the party but to fortify it; to restore its integrity, renew its credibility, and secure its future as a vehicle for true democratic leadership,” he wrote.

“Let history record that when a corrupt process attempted to masquerade as legitimacy, we did not stay silent. We stood up. We spoke out. We acted for justice, for our children, and for the future we all deserve.”

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