In a significant political shift, Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi, a notable figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a former member of the House of Representatives, has formally announced his resignation from the party.
Ibezi, who served as the representative for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency during the 9th National Assembly, made this announcement on Sunday at a gathering with his political allies in his hometown of Abatete, located in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
During the meeting, Ibezi publicly declared his unwavering support for the second-term bid of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo. According to him, the decision to leave the APC was largely influenced by the outcome of the party’s recent governorship primary election, which he described as deeply flawed and lacking credibility.
The primary, which produced Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as the APC’s candidate for the upcoming Anambra gubernatorial election, was criticized by Ibezi as a “charade.” He accused the party of failing to present a candidate capable of winning a general election, suggesting that the selection process was manipulated and unreflective of democratic ideals.
“I can no longer remain in a political party that treats elections like a joke,” Ibezi said pointedly. “The APC has shown, once again, that it is neither ready to govern effectively nor interested in electoral victory.”
He stressed that his decision to back Governor Soludo stems from his belief in the governor’s developmental strides and genuine commitment to transforming Anambra State. “I have toured the state and seen the impact of Soludo’s projects first-hand. His leadership speaks for itself. He deserves a second term,” he stated.
Highlighting his previous contributions to the APC, Ibezi recalled how he had successfully mobilized grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general elections and had similarly helped secure votes for Governor Soludo in the past. He affirmed that he would once again rally voters in the forthcoming November election to ensure Soludo’s re-election.
In a firm message to his supporters, Ibezi urged those loyal to him to understand the strategic necessity of his political realignment. “Any supporter who fails to grasp the reasoning behind this move does not understand the dynamics of modern politics,” he said. “Our support for Governor Soludo is total, unwavering, and begins immediately.”
Ibezi’s defection adds to the growing wave of unrest within the APC in Anambra, especially following the dramatic withdrawal of three major aspirants—Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Sir Paul Chukwuma, and Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji—just hours before the governorship primary was held.
The trio, in separate statements, condemned the process, citing widespread irregularities, orchestrated violence by thugs loyal to certain aspirants, and deliberate manipulation of the delegate system. Prof. Okonkwo described the primary as a “compromised exercise” and stated that he could not endanger the lives of his followers by participating. Similarly, Chukwuma Umeoji decried the hijacking of the process by what he termed “retrogressive elements.”
Observers say Ibezi’s defection, combined with the internal dissent from other key figures, reflects deep-seated problems within the APC’s state structure—problems that could significantly weaken its chances ahead of the upcoming election.
As the political landscape in Anambra continues to evolve, Ibezi’s move underscores a growing alignment around Governor Soludo’s leadership, suggesting a potential shift in political momentum ahead of the crucial November polls.
