The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed determination to reclaim Edo State, which it lost in the 2020 governorship election, and maintain its stronghold in Ondo State during this year’s gubernatorial polls. The party also aims to secure victory in the 2025 Anambra governorship election.

Nze Chidi Duru, Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, outlined the party’s strategy in an interview in Abuja. He emphasized the importance of conducting credible primaries to nominate popular candidates appealing to diverse tendencies in the respective states.

Duru stated, “There will be an election not just in Anambra next year but…in Edo state and Ondo state…and the party is working harder to see and make sure that as a minimum, we will win the two states that are available this year.”

He underscored the need for credible primaries to select gubernatorial candidates, highlighting the significance of candidates who resonate with the people to secure electoral victory. The APC is committed to free, fair, and transparent primaries in Edo and Ondo states.

Responding to speculations about conceding the party’s governorship ticket to Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, who recently joined the APC, Duru clarified that the candidate would emerge through a fair and transparent primary. He asserted that Anambra state, like other states, would allow competitors the opportunity to vie for candidacy in a democratic process.

Duru also commented on the recent Supreme Court rulings on governorship elections, stating that they demonstrated the integrity and independence of the judiciary under the current APC-led administration.

Regarding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s call for opposition unity, Duru asserted that it would be “dead on arrival.” He encouraged journalists to advocate for the implementation of the 2014 National Conference, believing it would substantially reduce the overhead cost of governance in Nigeria.