By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Anambra State Chapter has scheduled its gubernatorial primary election to hold on the 28th day of March, 2025, in preparation for the gubernatorial election slated for 8th November, 2025.
In a statement he signed, the State Publicity Secretary, APC Anambra State, Dr. Valentine Iyke-Oliobi, said the information was communicated by the State Chairman, Hon. Sir. Basil Ejidike, who, he said, broke the news to the members of the State Working Committee, 23 January 2025, after their meeting in Abuja.
Oliobi said the State Chairman informed them that the decision was taken after the meeting of the National Working Committee held a few days ago at the APC National Secretariat.
‘The meeting was in line with the meeting held with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) boss, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, with the heads of all the political parties a few days back.
‘The All Progressives Congress found it imperative to meet and design a programme for the Anambra State Gubernatorial Primary Election and communicate to the INEC within the ambit of the Electoral Law.’
Quoting Ejidike, he said, ‘We are ready and determined to conduct a free, fair, and credible primary election that will be acceptable to all aspirants. Under my watch, I will do everything humanly possible to continue to keep Anambra APC as one indivisible family through guaranteeing them a free, fair, and credible primary election come March 29th. In achieving the above aim, the party will go for the election with an all-inclusive house, and victory will be assured.’
This paper reports that a total number of four aspirants had earlier declared their intentions to fly the party’s flag, come November 8. They were, Sir. Paul Chukwuma; Chief Sir Azuka Okwuosa; Prof. Obiora Okonkwo and Hon. Evangelist Nicholas Ukochukwu.
But following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah last year, who was aspiring for the guber ticket, Chief Azuka Okwuosa decided to run the race to replace Sen. Ubah in the Red Chambers with Chief Dozie Ikedife Jnr.
‘Consequently, news has it that in a few days’ time, many will be declaring their intentions for the Guber position, having seen the primary election timetable provided by the APC National Secretariat.
‘But as of today, APC Anambra State has, Sir. Paul Chukwuma, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, and Hon. Evangelist Nicholas Ukochukwu, as the official aspirants in the governorship race, while Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji and High Chief Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo and two other persons may join the guber race by next week,’ Oliobi disclosed.