2025: Anambra Governorship Election Will Be a Walkover for APC, Says Okelekwe

Chief Kodilichukwu Okelekwe, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State and the party’s 2023 senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, has declared that the APC is well-positioned to win the upcoming governorship election in the state, scheduled for November 8. Speaking in an interview, Okelekwe described the APC as the “party to beat” in Anambra, citing the growing number of influential politicians defecting to the party in recent months, including Professor Obiora Okonkwo and Val Ozigbo. He believes the political atmosphere in Anambra is now more favourable than ever for the APC, provided the party conducts a transparent and credible primary election.

Okelekwe emphasized that unity and internal democracy are crucial to securing victory. He called for a free, fair, and transparent primary process, arguing that once APC members feel the process is just, the party would rally behind the eventual candidate. He added that party members must evaluate aspirants based on qualities such as integrity, electability, sound knowledge, and the capacity to mobilise resources. According to him, these characteristics are essential for turning the goodwill the APC currently enjoys into actual votes.

Addressing the perception of the APC in the South-East, Okelekwe asserted that the political tide is shifting rapidly in the region. He predicted a strong showing for the APC in the 2027 general elections, stating confidently that the party would sweep the entire South-East. With control of Imo and Ebonyi states, and growing momentum through high-profile defections, Okelekwe said the APC is now the dominant political force in the region, surpassing the PDP, which once held sway but is now, according to him, only relevant in Enugu State.

On the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Okelekwe dismissed criticism from the opposition, arguing that their role is to discredit the government regardless of its performance. He pointed to what he described as factual evidence of progress, especially in the South-East. Highlighting the establishment of the South-East Development Commission and the N341 billion allocation in the 2024 budget as key achievements, he said these actions demonstrate Tinubu’s commitment to reintegrating the region into national politics. Okelekwe expressed confidence that the Igbo would reciprocate Tinubu’s gestures with support in 2027, describing the Igbo as naturally appreciative people.

He also praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting the stabilisation of the naira, improving food prices, and Nigeria’s steady fulfilment of domestic and international obligations. Citing a 3.84% economic growth rate in the last quarter of 2024, he argued that despite initial economic pains, the reforms are setting Nigeria on a path of sustainable growth. Comparing the previous economic management to the stagnation era of the Soviet Union, Okelekwe said that President Tinubu has initiated necessary changes that, although difficult, will yield long-term benefits for the country.