After a gale of withdrawal by some frontline aspirants, the three major contending political parties have finally elected their candidates ahead of the November 8 governorshiip election in Anambra state
While the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) was greeted with the surprise withdrawal of to strong contenders Paul Chukwuma and Obiorah Okonkwo the Labour Party (LP) suffered a similar fate as it was left with only former Managing Director of National Inland Water Ways Authority (NIWA), George Moghalu to return unopposed, as his major challengers, John Nwosu, pulled out of the race, few hours to the primary elections
Meanwhile incumbent state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has won the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship primary in the state.
Soludo was declared winner at the primary held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, amidst tight security and under the watch of the officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governor, vying for a second term, polled 3,171 votes from the 3,175 accredited delegates across the 326 political wards in the state.
He was confirmed with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote in the primary election.
While presenting the party’s nomination certificate to the governor, Chairman of APGA Primary Election Electoral Committee, Chief Uchenna Nwegbo, said the process was in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.
Nwegbo said that Soludo’s unanimous adoption as the sole candidate of the party for the Nov. 8 governorship election also adhered to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Reacting, the governor praised APGA officials for organising what he called a well-structured exercise.
He also commended the delegates for their disciplined conduct and expressed gratitude to the people for their trust and support.
“Never before in Anambra’s history has there been such a wide consensus. I am truly humbled, and I assure you that I will not let APGA and the people of Anambra down.
“We will continue to work to deepen our vision of infrastructure development, human capital investment, security and economic transformation.
“Anambra has not seen anything yet. Our agenda is loaded and we will continue the progress unbroken,” he said.
Similarly, former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), George Muoghalu, yesterday clinched Labour Party’s governorship ticket ahead of the November 8, 2025, elections in the state.
Muoghalu polled 575 votes at the party’s primary held in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The primary election was monitored by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as the party’s electoral team and other observers.
Muoghalu’s co-contender, John Nwosu, who had withdrawn from the contest earlier on Saturday, still garnered nineteen votes.
Reacting to his victory, Muoghalu said the party’s trust in him would not be misplaced as the defining moment for Anambra has come, adding that it was the time to build a prosperous and an inclusive state.
For the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu emerged as the party flagbearer ahead of the upcoming governorship election.
The results, announced by the Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee and Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, showed an overwhelming endorsement of Ukachukwu by party delegates across the state.
According to the election results, Nicholas Ukachukwu polled 1,455 votes to defeat his immediate rival Valentine Ozigbo who scored 67 votes. Johnbosco Onunkwo and Edozie Madu scored 26 and 8 votes respectively, while 26 were declared Invalid votes.
In his acceptance speech, Prince Ukachukwu extended his heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring a hitch-free and transparent intraparty election process.
He quipped, “Soludo is gone.” Ukachukwu also commended the APC National Working Committee, Governor Bassey Otu and his team, his co-contenders, and all delegates for their roles in the successful conduct of the primary.
He called on his fellow aspirants to unite and rally around his candidacy, emphasizing that “the most important thing now is to deliver Anambra to the APC.”
Reflecting on his longstanding influence in Anambra politics, Ukachukwu remarked, “I have been instrumental to the emergence of successive governors in Anambra over the years. I have played the role of a godfather, but now, I am ready to father myself.”
He assured party members and the people of Anambra of his commitment to their trust, pledging not to disappoint them as he prepares to challenge the incumbent administration.
