Confusion and Allegations Mar Anambra APC Delegates Congress

The All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress held across Anambra State has ended in confusion, with rising tensions and accusations threatening the party’s internal cohesion ahead of the gubernatorial primary. The congress, conducted in 326 wards across the 21 local government areas, was organized to select delegates who will vote in the APC governorship primary election scheduled for April 5, 2025.

However, delays in releasing the results have triggered anxiety among the seven cleared aspirants, including Sir Paul Chukwuma, Prof. Obiora Francis Okonkwo, and Prince Nicholas Chukwujekwu Ukachukwu. Allegations have emerged that the eight-member congress committee responsible for supervising the process has gone into hiding, further fueling concerns about transparency.

Some party members have accused the state APC leadership of attempting to manipulate the process in favor of certain aspirants. In response, the state chairman of the APC, Chief Basil Ejidike, acknowledged minor challenges but insisted they were not significant enough to undermine the entire exercise.

Sources within the party suggest that internal divisions among the state executive, who are reportedly aligning with different aspirants, have contributed to the confusion. Based on early reports from the March 15 delegate elections, three aspirants—each from Anambra North, Central, and South zones—have emerged as frontrunners, reflecting regional voting patterns.

An APC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that the current disarray could lead to a major internal crisis, potentially jeopardizing the party’s chances in the November 8, 2025, governorship election. He emphasized the need for the Election Supervision Committee to ensure fairness and transparency in collating and announcing the results.

According to the official, “The credibility of this process is vital for the Anambra APC and the future of democracy in Nigeria. Consensus-building and trust are the pillars of democratic engagement, and they cannot be bought or imposed. These principles were tested in the Anambra APC delegate elections.”

Despite reports of isolated incidents of violence and attempts by rival camps to disrupt proceedings, many party members stood firm against inducements and intimidation. “Desperation tends to rise when inducements fail, but the resilience shown by Anambra APC members is a clear indication that they want a credible and fair process,” he added.