Abuja, Nigeria – The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has reaffirmed that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) will not favor any aspirant in the upcoming 2025 Anambra governorship election, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
Speaking at the Anambra APC stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Ganduje emphasized the party’s commitment to presenting the best candidate capable of securing victory and further integrating the Southeast into national politics.
APC Governorship Primary Set for April 5
The party has scheduled its governorship primary for April 5, where seven aspirants will contest for the ticket:
- Paul Chukwuma
- Prof. Obiora Okonkwo
- Nicholas Ukachukwu
- Chukwuma Umeoji
- Valentine Ozigbo
- Johnbosco Onunkwo
- Edozie Madu
These aspirants were screened and approved by the Anambra State 2025 Gubernatorial Election Screening Committee on Monday.
Ganduje Calls for Party Unity
Ganduje urged aspirants to support the eventual winner and avoid actions that could weaken the party’s chances, including anti-party activities, neutrality, or litigation.
“We, the NWC members, are catalysts. Our role is to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants. We are not fighting anybody. We only want the best candidate to emerge.”
Acknowledging the challenge of defeating an incumbent government, Ganduje stressed the importance of party unity and strategic political calculations.
“Winning a state from an incumbent requires strong cooperation. We need everyone to rally behind the candidate after the primary to avoid another Andy Uba scenario.”
Uba was the APC candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, where the party failed to clinch victory.
APC Aims to Strengthen Southeast Presence
Currently, the APC controls two Southeast states – Imo and Ebonyi. Ganduje reiterated the party’s determination to expand its influence in the region, urging party members in Anambra to actively participate in the election process.
“You all stand to gain if APC wins in Anambra. It will integrate you into the national political grid, strengthening your political relevance.”
APC Anambra Chairman Welcomes Stakeholders’ Engagement
The Anambra APC chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, lauded the national leadership for organizing the stakeholders’ meeting, describing it as a historic moment for the party in the state.
“This is the first time Anambra APC members are being engaged by the National Executive to discuss election strategy. It signals positive changes for our party.”
INEC Confirms Election Date
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set the Anambra State governorship election for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
With the primary election fast approaching, all eyes are on the APC as it navigates internal unity and strategy to challenge the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State.