One of the leading aspirants for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in the upcoming Anambra State governorship election on November 8, 2025, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has urged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to consider him as the consensus candidate for the election.
Okonkwo made this appeal while addressing the APC NWC during the official commissioning of the party’s new state secretariat in Awka, Anambra State, on Saturday.
APC’s Push for Consensus Candidate
The APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, had earlier indicated that the party prefers a consensus candidate to avoid selecting an unpopular aspirant through a costly and divisive primary election.
During a strategic meeting with the Booth 2 Booth with Bola Tinubu support group at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Ganduje emphasized that a unified APC in Anambra would have a stronger chance of defeating the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
“If Anambra APC can unite and present a consensus candidate, it will not only increase our chances of victory but also save the party from the stress and financial burden of a conventional primary election,” Ganduje stated.
Why Okonkwo Wants the Consensus Ticket
Prof. Obiora Okonkwo argued that he is the best candidate to lead APC to victory against incumbent Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of APGA. He expressed confidence that, under his leadership, Anambra would witness unprecedented growth, peace, and development.
“I am ready to bring real transformation to Anambra State. If given the APC ticket, I will provide the kind of governance that will uplift Ndi-Anambra and drive economic and infrastructural growth,” Okonkwo stated.
He further pledged to uphold good governance, transparency, and service to the people, which he described as the bedrock of APC’s vision for Nigeria.
Commitment to Tinubu’s Agenda and Anambra’s Growth
Okonkwo reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies, stating that his administration, if elected, would align with the federal government’s transformation agenda.
“I will work closely with President Tinubu to ensure Anambra State becomes a model of economic growth and development. My leadership will benefit all residents regardless of tribe, ethnicity, or political affiliation,” he added.
What This Means for APC in Anambra
With APGA maintaining strong political control in Anambra, APC faces a major challenge in breaking into the state’s power structure. However, if the party can unite behind a strong consensus candidate, it could increase its chances of securing victory in the 2025 governorship election.
Whether Okonkwo will emerge as the party’s consensus choice remains to be seen as APC stakeholders continue their deliberations on the best strategy for winning Anambra State.
