Anambra APC Primary: Strengths, weaknesses of APC aspirants ahead of April 5 primary

Whatever becomes of the November 2020 governorship election in Anambra state for the All Progressives Congress (APC), will depend largely, to the decision its members take on April 5 when they go to the polls to elect who flies their party flag at the election proper. googletag.cmd.

push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1718806029429-0'); }); •Onunkwo Next Saturday, therefore, will present itself as a major decision-making day for the party. It will determine if the party, which is seeking a deeper penetration of the southeast region, will cross the “Rubicon” and beat the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), the incumbent party, or, watch from the sidelines as another four year cycle runs its course in the state under the ruling party flag.



To cross the Rubicon, APC electors will now need to know that “the die is cast.” It is either they work to enthrone their party and firmly institute it in Anambra state, or, they play into the waiting hand of the incumbent and grant him the much needed opportunity to celebrate. $(document).

ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); The party faithful, who will vote on Saturday to elect their flagbearer, have either of two ways to make November, a two-horse epic race.

It is either they settle for a strong candidate or a weak one.The incumbent administration in Anambra will fast and pray that APC electors hand it a weak candidate. This is because a strong candidate will give APGA a good run for its money and popularity.

A weak one will be a walkover for the ruling party. A strong candidate in an election connotes the candidate who has a high likelihood of winning and performing well.A strong candidate usually has the popularity: and widespread support among voters, which is demonstrated through polls or public enthusiasm.

They also are credible as they are trustworthy, competent, and capable of handling the responsibilities of the office. A strong candidate is also one with the necessary resources including strong financial backing, a solid campaign team, and access to media or influential endorsements. This is aside being one with a track record of success whether in politics, business, or community leadership, through which they inspire confidence.

They favourate candidate is one, who possess the charisma and connect very well with people, often through strong communication skills or a compelling personality. A strong candidate aligns their positions on key issues and such resonate with a large portion of the electorate. $(document).

ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); On the other hand, a weak candidate connotes someone who faces several obstacles to winning an election.

These include low personality, low profile, low popularity, poor track record, limited credibility, has poor communication skills, lacks necessary resources and his positions on issues don’t match what most voters care about or want. A weak candidate always appears outmatched or unconvincing.There are seven aspirants gunning for APC ticket.

They include Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu, Dr. Paul Chukwuma, Chukwuma Umeoji, Valentine Ozigbo, Johnbosco Onunkwo and Edozie Madu.

The SWOT analysis of the candidates could serve a a guide to the delegates who will vote in the party’s primary on Saturday.Obiora OkonkwoProfessor Obiora Okonkwo is a notable and most popular contender for the APC governorship ticket. He is a Russian-trained intellectual and businessman turned politician.

He is the founder of United Nigeria Airlines.His private sector success spans aviation, hospitality, and real estate, giving him a reputation as someone who understands value creation and economic growth. He has positioned himself as a candidate who can run Anambra like a business with a promise to tackle insecurity better, boost agriculture, empower youth, and attract investment.

His campaign leans heavily on his practical experience where he has styled himself as a “professor of practicals.” $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.

adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); Okonkwo has a solid political resume, having played roles in the Action Congress (AC) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), predecessors to the APC, where he helped secure electoral wins in Anambra Central for Dr. Chris Ngige to become senator under the ACN.

Okonkwo’s financial resources and organizational support, including donations like office equipment and a N20 million donation to the APC, signal strong commitment and capacity. Supporters, like the Anambra Central APC leadership and groups such as the Anambra Coalition for Progressives Change, praise his track record, grassroots ties, and alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s national agenda. His push to connect Anambra to the federal political grid via the APC resonates with those who feel the state had been sidelined by the center because of APGA.

Okonkwo’s candidacy is, however, not without criticisms. His political history shows a pattern of party-switching from PDP, APGA, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in 2021, and now APC. This is his second time contesting to become governor.

He had earlier contested to become Senator, where the court pronounced him as the authentic candidate of the PDP before a higher court voided it.As of this moment, Okonkwo is in the thick of the APC primaries, set for April 5, 2025. His submission of nomination forms in February 2025 was a flashy affair with drummers, supporters, a carnival vibe, showing that he has the momentum and a flair for optics.

Posts on social media platforms and news snippets suggest that he has vocal backers who see him as APC’s best shot to unseat Soludo.Okonkwo has the resources, experience, and a clear pitch towards economic pragmatism over academic theory. That makes him a strong candidate if he wins the APC ticket.

His business background and promises of federal alignment might sway voters frustrated with Soludo’s tenure.Whether he is strong enough to break APGA’s grip depends on unifying the APC, outshining rivals in the primary, and convincing Anambra’s discerning electorate that he is more than a wealthy man. He has the charisma to pull it off, especially coming from Anambra Central, which occupied the governorship seat about 12 years ago.

$(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).

push({})}); Paul ChukwumaChukwuma is a seasoned politician and businessman with a history in the APC. He is a founding member and former National Auditor of the party. The role gave him significant influence and visibility.

His efforts to strengthen the APC in Anambra are also notable. His organizational groundwork has helped to improve the party’s presence in a state traditionally dominated by APGA. He also brings a blend of academic and economic credentials to his campaign.

His platform, dubbed the “HIS” vision (Human Capital Development, Infrastructure Development, and Security), targets Anambra’s pressing issues: insecurity, unemployment, and crumbling infrastructure.Chukwuma promised swift action, claiming he can address insecurity and poverty within three months, while emphasizing collaboration with the federal government to unlock resources like roads, railways, and ports. His engagement with ward leaders and women groups suggest a strong grassroot base.

His campaign’s energy is evident in events like the inauguration of a 15-member campaign council in September 2024, led by seasoned figures like Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi.However, Chukwuma’s candidacy is not without high hurdles.

The APC has historically struggled in Anambra, where APGA’s grip remains firm. His repeated claims of rapid fixes, like the promise of three months’ time frame to curb insecurity; have raised skepticism about his vision higher.The January 2025 allegation of $378,000 money laundering linked to his company, Fides Et Ratio Academy Limited, threatened his image.

Though he dismissed it as political sabotage and no definitive legal outcome has emerged, the matter is still in court and has the capacity to dent voter trust. $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.

adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); Also the fact that Chukwuma is from Anambra North, Therefore zone that produced the governor just four years ago, puts him on a tight rope as people say that the zone should not come back to power so soon.Chukwuma UmeojiUmeoji is a seasoned politician with a robust track record.

He was member of the House of Representatives for Aguata Federal Constituency for two terms and had served as a local government chairman. He has also been Executive Director of Corporate Services at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.His experience spans legislative, administrative, and community leadership roles, including time with the ECOWAS Parliament and the Anambra State Vigilante Supervisory Committee.

These experiences bolster his claim of being a “tested, approved, and trusted” leader capable of tackling Anambra’s challenges. His campaign hinges on practical solutions over theoretical promises, focusing on security, infrastructure, and economic growth.Umeohi has pledged to curb insecurity within 24 hours of taking office.

This is a bold and ambitious, claim rooted in his belief that local communities know the culprits and need a mix of rehabilitation and enforcement. He enjoys strong grassroots support, often described as a “movement” rather than just a candidate.His alignment with Anambra South’s zoning sentiment and his early purchase of the APC’s N50 million nomination form signal both strategic intent and financial clout.

$(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).

push({})}); Umeoji’s path is also not without obstacles. His political history shows resilience but also volatility as he had contested multiple elections since 1999 across parties like APGA, and now APC, which some see as opportunism rather than loyalty. His rapid-fire promises, like quelling insecurity in a day, draw skepticism for their practicality, and his call for other APC aspirants to step down might alienate party unity ahead of the April 5, 2025 primaries.

A past legal tussle over his 2021 APGA candidacy also lingers in some voters’ minds, though this may no longer be relevant. The fact that he’s from Anambra South as Governor Soludo is a minus.Johnbosco OnunkwoHigh Chief Engr.

Johnbosco Onunkwo, is a seasoned engineer, philanthropist, and long-standing APC chieftain. He is a founding member of the party with roots in its predecessors, Action Congress and Action Congress of Nigeria. He has been a consistent figure in Anambra politics, notably running as the APC’s gubernatorial candidate in 2017 and contesting the annulled 2021 primary.

His background in mechanical engineering from Nnamdi Azikiwe University and 17 years in the oil and gas sector lend him a technocratic edge, which he pitches as key to transforming Anambra into a hub of industry, agriculture, and youth empowerment. His campaign emphasizes infrastructure, economic revitalization, and security, with a focus on practical leadership over promises.Onunkwo’s grassroots clout is a major strength.

He has styled himself as the “Grand Commander of Anambra Youths” for his extensive philanthropy, including youth programmes and community development projects across Aguata. His loyalty to the APC, demonstrated through funding and mobilization efforts, has earned him respect within the party, positioning him as a unifying figure. $(document).

ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); Onunkwo’s candidacy, like others, also faces challenges.

His multiple unsuccessful runs (2017, 2021) might signal persistence to supporters but could be spun as a lack of electability by detractors. The APC’s shaky footing in Anambra, a state in firm grip of APGA since 2006, puts him at a disadvantage against Governor Charles Soludo.Critics also question whether his philanthropy is a genuine asset or a populist play.

His vision of rapid transformation (e.g., industrializing Anambra) lacks detailed public blueprints, which could invite skepticism about feasibility.

The APC’s national image, sometimes seen as distant from South East priorities, might also weigh him down unless he convincingly localizes his pitch.Valentine OzigboValentine Chineto Ozigbo is a business executive with vast experience in hotel management. He joined politics after internal boardroom manoeuvers edged him out of Transcorp Hilton management.

He presents himself as politician with a reputation for competence and charisma. His political journey includes a notable run as the PDP candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, where he came second to Charles Soludo with 53,807 votes. However, he resigned from the PDP ad joined the Labour Party with intent on contesting for the senatorial ticket of Anambra South, a venture that was unsuccessful.

Ozigbo’s recent defection to the APC in October 2024, alongside hundreds of LP supporters, signals ambition and strategic realignment with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. However, he has created suspicion that his move to APC has the backing of the president’s daughter with his presentation of his certificate of clearance to run for the election, to her. Those who knew how former Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023 election, Mr.

Peter Obi, handed him PDP ticket on a platter four years ago and the manner he dumped Obi for APC sees him as an ungrateful opportunist. Also the fact that he could not win the governorship election on the ticket of a strong party as PDP presents himself as a weak aspirant, especially since he is from Anambra South.Indeed, Ozigbo’s candidacy is laced with vulnerabilities.

His party-hopping, PDP in 2019, LP in 2021, APC in 2025, might paint him as inconsistent, though he frames it as a pragmatic quest to serve. $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.

adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); Critics also question if his claims to corporate leadership success translates to governance credentials, and his late APC switch might become an albatross. His promise to “end insecurity and poverty” lacks a detailed timeline or plan in public discourse, and he risk the problem of the perception of overpromise, a new education for the Anambra voters who are now skeptical of politicians who make grandiose promises following Soludo’s failure to deliver the “Africa-Dubai-Taiwan” that he promised.

Edozie MaduEdozie Madu is a long-time APC stalwart from Owerre-Ezukala in Orumba South Local Government Area, Anambra South Senatorial Zone. His political resume is diverse. He has been National Chairman of the Independent Democrats (ID), where he ran as the party’s presidential candidate in 2019, and later a member of the National Governing Council of the Africa Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD).

This experiences gives him a broad perspective on governance and national issues though they are not governance credentials.However, he has successfully positioned himself as a grassroots politician with a focus on security, economic development, and community welfare, backed by a history of philanthropy. His campaign kicked off with a boost in February 2025 when the Save Anambra Movement (SAM), a group of political stakeholders, bought his N50 million APC nomination and expression of interest forms, urging him to “save Anambra” from insecurity and stagnation.

Madu campaigned for President Bola Tinubu in 2023, even surviving an attack that burned his home and killed a police officer, showcasing his resilience and commitment. He is counting on those and looking forward to the APC ticket as reward for his sacrifice. He is also seen as the dark horse in the race and he has not hidden his feeling of comfort and support with the APC leadership.

However, Madu ambition faces significant hurdles. His electoral track record is thin. His major political outing remain the 2019 presidential bid under ID and the 2021 APC gubernatorial primary run, which he lost to Andy Uba.

This has now raised questions about his ability to clinch a major victory against strong aspirants. $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.

adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); Also, his promise to tackle insecurity lacks a clear, detailed plan in public discourse, which might undermine voter confidence. Critics say that the 2023 attack on him could be a double-edged sword as it highlights his sacrifice as well as signal vulnerability in a state craving stability.

The argument, by some critics, is, if he was unable to secure himself, how could he secure Anambra state?Nicholas UkachukwuUkachukwu brings a mix of political experience and business acumen to the table. He was once chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and member of the House of Representatives, representing Orumba North/South in Anambra State. His tenure in these roles reportedly included infrastructure projects and social welfare initiatives, which he touts as evidence of his ability to deliver results.

As a real estate mogul, and philanthropist, he built a reputation for job creation and community support, particularly in education and infrastructure. His campaign emphasizes connecting Anambra to the national political grid through the APC. This means aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Ukachukwu presents himself as a candidate who can run the state like a business, with a focus on security, youth empowerment, agricultural reform, and attracting foreign investment. His financial resources and statewide political structure are seen as assets.Despite his strengths, Ukachukwu faces hurdles.

His political journey has been marked by persistence but also setbacks. He has contested gubernatorial and senatorial races since 1999 across multiple parties including PDP, ANPP, HDP, APGA, and now APC. However, he has been without a win.

Some view this as a sign of resilience, while others question his electability or suggest it reflects a lack of consistent ideology. His critics, including past detractors, accuse him of using political bids to pursue business interests. $(document).

ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); The fact that Ukachukwu is from Anambra South, the same senatorial district as incumbent governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, weaken his aspiration.

Those saying this belueve that ticket to Ukachukwu or any candidate from Anambra South is an endorsement of Soludo, which will weaken the SPC quest to occupy the Government House, Awka.The delegates’ choice:The delegates have a date with history. They are the select group to whom the destiny of Anambra State, moreso Igboland has been entrusted.

They should know that this is the best opportunity APC has to clinch Anambra governorship. For the party yo win, the right candidate has to emerge.The delegates must pick a candidate who has vision, intellect, sagacity, courage, economic management and business acumen; attributes that are critically needed to rescue Anambra State from its very precarious condition, especially in the area of public safety and security.

The candidate must be a leader and manager of human and material resources whose competence, character, and capacity are acknowledged and celebrated in and outside Nigeria. The candidate must have a master plan on how to galvanise the human and material resources of the State for transformational development, person whose vision for Anambra State clearly dwarfs all the plans being bandied by the other aspirants.The chosen one must be the most credible alternative to Soludo’s lacklustre leadership of Anambra State.

He must be a people’s man and a caring and astute leader with a verifiable track-record of excellence in academics, business, commerce, and is fully rooted in the knowledge of the needs, aspirations and culture of the good people of Anambra State. $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.

adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); The coming governorship election in Anambra State presents a great opportunity to elect a leader with exceptional grassroots acceptance and mobilization, whose capability will definitely make the APC a formidable party not only in Anambra State but in the entire South East. The distinguished ward delegates and the APC leadership should please look carefully and do the needful.

The time has come.The post Anambra APC Primary: Strengths, weaknesses of APC aspirants ahead of April 5 primary appeared first on The Sun Nigeria..