As Anambra State gears up for its highly anticipated governorship election on November 8, 2025, the political landscape is heating up with intense preparations for the party primaries scheduled for Saturday, April 5.
Four major political parties—the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)—are set to determine their flag bearers in a process that promises to be competitive, tense, and full of political intrigue.
With 11 aspirants battling for their party’s nomination, the stakes are high. While APGA has already settled on Governor Chukwuma Soludo as its candidate, the APC, PDP, and LP will engage in what is expected to be a fierce contest to select their standard-bearers.
The Significance of the Primaries
Party primaries are a crucial element of any democratic election, serving as a mechanism for political parties to choose candidates, mobilize voters, and strengthen party unity. These primaries can take different formats, such as:
- Closed primaries, where only registered party members and delegates can vote.
- Open primaries, allowing all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, to participate.
- Semi-closed primaries, where both party members and unaffiliated voters can cast ballots.
Each political party in Anambra has the autonomy to select the format that best suits its internal structure and strategy.
INEC’s Election Schedule and Guidelines
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has played a central role in setting the stage for the primaries. On March 6, 2025, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, reiterated the importance of adhering to the election timetable. He confirmed that primaries would run between March 20 and April 10, 2025, and stressed that compliance with Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022 was necessary for credibility and transparency.
Of the 19 registered political parties in Nigeria, only 12 have submitted their primary election schedules, demonstrating a serious commitment to contesting the Anambra governorship. However, among them, APC, PDP, LP, and APGA remain the dominant contenders.
APGA: Soludo’s Unchallenged Path to Re-election
As the ruling party in Anambra for nearly two decades, APGA has already settled on Governor Chukwuma Soludo as its candidate for re-election. The party’s primary, scheduled for April 5, is viewed as a formality rather than a contest, given that no other aspirant purchased the N30 million nomination form.
Soludo, confident in his administration’s record, has repeatedly dismissed concerns about serious competition. In a recent statement, he remarked:
“There is a general agreement among Anambra people that my party, the APGA, has delivered good governance and deserves another term. While voters may back different parties in national elections, they remain loyal to APGA in state polls.”
APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, confirmed that Soludo was granted an automatic ticket due to his stellar performance in his first term.
“No other aspirant stepped forward to challenge Soludo because his achievements speak for themselves. Even some opposition members are endorsing him for a second term.”
APC: The Fierce Battle Among Seven Aspirants
The APC primary is expected to be the most intense and unpredictable of the primaries, as seven aspirants are vying for the party’s ticket. These aspirants, who each purchased the N50 million nomination form, include:
- Prof. Obiora Okonkwo
- Nicholas Ukachukwu
- Chukwuma Umeoji
- Paul Chukwuma
- Onunkwo Johnbosco Obinna
- Valentine Ozigbo
- Edozie Madu
Key APC Aspirants and Their Strategies
Valentine Ozigbo, a well-known business leader and former PDP candidate, has positioned himself as a unifying force who can transcend party lines. He recently urged the APC leadership to ensure a free, fair, and transparent primary, stating:
“This election is not about party pride; it is about Anambra’s survival. APC must present a candidate who can win across all parties and communities.”
Similarly, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, is running on a platform of good governance and economic transformation. He declared:
“Anambra deserves to be a beacon of excellence. I am running not for personal ambition, but to serve and uplift our people.”
Meanwhile, Paul Chukwuma, former National Auditor of APC, has called on delegates to prioritize loyalty, vision, and credibility, arguing that the party must remain united to defeat APGA.
Labour Party: Two-Man Race with a Confidence Boost
The Labour Party (LP) primary features two aspirants—George Moghalu and John Nwosu—who each purchased the N30 million nomination form. The party has expressed confidence in a peaceful and fair primary, emphasizing unity after the contest.
LP’s Deputy Publicity Secretary, James Udoh, stated:
“After our primary election, no aspirant should be angry. We must unite to win in November. The people have lost confidence in APGA’s governance. Security has collapsed, and the tax system is being enforced by thugs. LP will restore good governance.”
PDP: Late Entries but High Expectations
Initially, the PDP had no aspirants for the governorship ticket. However, following an extension of the nomination deadline, two candidates emerged.
PDP’s Anambra Publicity Secretary, Obumneme Nnoli, confirmed:
“On Saturday, our two cleared aspirants will be revealed. They bring experience and political influence that will challenge APGA in November.”
He downplayed APC and LP’s chances, arguing that:
“The real contest is between PDP and APGA. APC is disorganized, and LP lacks structure. When the election comes, we will see the real contenders.”
The Road to November 8: A Defining Moment for Anambra Politics
As the primaries approach, each party faces critical decisions that could shape the future of Anambra politics. The APC’s outcome on Saturday, April 5, will determine whether the party can remain united and formidable enough to challenge APGA.
For the PDP and LP, selecting a strong candidate is crucial to gaining voter confidence and positioning themselves as viable alternatives. Meanwhile, APGA remains confident in Soludo’s re-election, banking on his incumbency advantage and party loyalty in the state.
As political intrigue, negotiations, and power plays unfold, Anambra’s governorship election remains one of the most anticipated contests in Nigeria’s political calendar. The outcome of the party primaries will set the stage for an intense campaign season, ultimately determining who will govern Anambra for the next four years.
