Anambra gov aspirant seeks transparent APC primaries
A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo, has wrapped up a series of stakeholders’ meetings across the state’s three senatorial districts ahead of the party’s primaries scheduled for April 5.
Ozigbo, who previously ran for governor in 2021 under the Peoples Democratic Party and finished second, said the engagements aimed to strengthen APC’s support base and position the party for victory in the November 8, 2025, election.
Speaking after a session with stakeholders from Anambra Central in Awka, on Saturday, Ozigbo emphasised that APC’s success in the general election would depend on its choice of candidate.
He urged party stakeholders to make strategic choices in the coming primaries, stressing that the APC’s chances of defeating the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, would depend on the candidate the party puts forward.
He said, “The choice before us is clear—this election is not about party pride; it is about Anambra’s survival. And if APC wants to win in November, we must put forward a candidate who can win beyond party lines. And that candidate is me.
“I did not join the APC to decorate the register. I joined because I believe this party can deliver a new dawn for Anambra—but only if we choose wisely, unite boldly, and prioritise competence over politics.
“This is not a time for experiments or sentiments. This is a time for strategy. If APC wants to win, we must present a candidate who has the trust of Ndi Anambra, across all parties and communities. That candidate is me.”
He reiterated his belief in the indirect primary system but stressed the need for transparency.
He added, “I actually believe the indirect mode makes it a better and orderly process, and fairness can be guaranteed. However, it is also about ensuring there is huge transparency from the beginning of the process.
“Who are the delegates? We need to know on time to ensure they are actually people elected from the ward so that they didn’t impose people based on some nefarious intentions.
“So, I am certain that I will get the party’s ticket; there is no contest by the grace of God. I will not only win; I will win by overwhelming victory because I have been tested and trusted. The people have seen my strength; they know my class, they know where I am coming from, and they know my adventures in politics.”
Ozigbo, a former President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, recently defected from the Labour Party to the APC—a move that sparked debate. However, he insisted his political journey had always been about the people, not party loyalty.
Ozigbo stated, “The electorate knows why I am in politics; they trust the reason, and in 2021, they know I actually won the governorship election. I want to assure Ndi Anambra that they should trust the APC and there won’t be any controversy, I have been to Anambra South, Anambra North and today is Anambra Central and you can see from the feedbacks that I am going to get 75 per cent of the votes and the rest of the six candidates can share the remaining votes.
“I am a party person; I am in APC to build the party and change some of the negative impressions about the APC, and for the party to impress and impact the system. So I am here to engage with stakeholders. If the process is free and fair, I can assure you that I am going to win. I will always remain a God-fearing politician to make Anambra proud in politics.”
