How Anambra governorship candidates were elected by their parties

In the last few days, governorship candidates have emerged from various parties in Anambra ahead of the state’s governorship election on November 8.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had set April 10 as the deadline for all political parties to conduct their governorship primaries ahead of the election.

Here’s everything you need to know about the candidates who have emerged.

AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC)

Chioma Ifemeludike was elected as the candidate for the AAC after the party’s primary election on Tuesday.

She was unanimously elected through a voice vote by members of the congress.

In her acceptance speech, Ifemeludike promised not to disappoint the trust bestowed on her by party supporters.

She said the party would ensure that the people of Anambra — particularly women, children, and youths — are empowered to become better citizens.

Oshiokhe Ikpeminoghena, chairman of the election committee, said it is the party’s constitutional responsibility to field a candidate for the election.

He added that Ifemeludike fulfilled every necessary step that qualified her to run for the Anambra governorship election.

ACCORD PARTY

Charles Onyeze emerged as the governorship candidate of the Accord Party in the primary election held on Tuesday.

He was declared the winner unopposed during the party’s primary held at the East End Hotel, Aroma, Awka, the state capital.

The exercise was witnessed by thousands of party chieftains, members, INEC, security, and the media.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the exercise, Onyeze said he is contesting the election to address the current challenges of unemployment, insecurity, and a poor educational system in Anambra state.

“I’d like us to work as a family. Our interest is for Anambra to be better because what we’re seeing today is not good. What we’ll need to defeat the ruling party is not a problem. We have what it takes,” he said.

“My administration will ensure that no local government or community is overlooked in our developmental efforts.”

ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS

Nicholas Ukachukwu, a former member of the house of representatives, secured the APC gubernatorial ticket for the Anambra governorship election.

Ukachukwu clinched the ticket at the party’s primary election on Saturday, defeating his closest rival, Valentine Ozigbo, and other contenders by a landslide.

He polled 1,455 votes, while Ozigbo secured 67 votes. Edozie Madu and Johnbosco Onunkwo got 8 and 26 votes, respectively.

Speaking after his victory, Ukachukwu pledged to deliver the state to the APC.

“We shall deliver Anambra to the APC. One thing I want to say here — nobody has won the governorship of Anambra without my support; it has never happened before,” he said.

“I have been playing godfatherism, but now I want to be the father of the father — no more godfather.”

ALL PROGRESSIVES GRAND ALLIANCE (APGA)

Chukwuma Soludo, Anambra governor, was nominated as the APGA candidate for the upcoming governorship election.

Soludo, who was returned unopposed, secured over 3,000 votes in the primary held on Saturday at the Ekwueme Square, Awka.

Voting took place across the 21 LGAs of the state, where delegates were asked to cast a simple “yes” or “no” vote.

Soludo accepted the nomination and assured party members of continued development in the state.

“I want to say that I am humbled by this historic display of solidarity to be able to raise the flag of our party again, and I want to say that I accept this nomination wholeheartedly,” he said.

“Anambra keeps rising with the progressive leadership that we have had through APGA, and I will continue to appreciate the leadership of the party.”

LABOUR PARTY (LP)

George Moghalu emerged as the LP’s candidate for the upcoming Anambra governorship election after the party’s primary election was held on Saturday in Awka.

Moghalu, a former managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), secured 575 votes to defeat John Nwosu, his only opponent, who garnered 19 votes.

Out of 649 delegates listed, 601 were accredited, with 592 valid votes recorded and five votes declared invalid.

However, Nwosu withdrew from the race a day earlier, citing several “irregularities” for his decision.

“There was no delegates congress of the party held in any of the 21 local government areas of the state to elect the delegates to vote at the primary election, and a list of delegates eventually emerged and was pasted at the state headquarters of the party in Awka, just about eight hours to the D-Day, Saturday, April 5, 2025,” he said in a statement.

In his acceptance speech, Moghalu said unity among party stakeholders would be crucial to securing victory at the polls.

“I am ready for the challenge ahead. With my experience in public service and politics, I am confident in my capacity to defeat the incumbent, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of APGA,” he said.

“We must now get to work on selling the LP agenda to the people of Anambra. Our goal is to reach every nook and cranny of the state with our message.

“Anambra is a blessed state with abundant human and natural resources. All that is required is visionary leadership to harness these potentials for the benefit of our people.”

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)

Jude Ezenwafor, the sole aspirant, secured the PDP’s ticket for the Anambra governorship election.

The PDP governorship primary was held on Tuesday at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka, the state capital.

Chijioke Onwubuya, chairman of the PDP Anambra governorship election congress committee, announced Ezenwafor as the party’s flagbearer at the end of the exercise.

Onwubuya said Ezenwafor secured 798 ‘yes’ votes with 26 invalid votes, noting that 853 delegates were accredited out of the 999 on the list for the congress.

Speaking after his victory, Ezenwafor said the PDP is on a rescue mission in Anambra and urged voters to support the party’s bid to reclaim leadership in the state.

“If you support me, the dream will come true. They say PDP is dead, but I will prove them wrong,” he said.

“All LGA and ward chairmen are now automatic coordinators in their areas.

“Our journey to the government house has begun.”

PARTIES BRACE FOR FIERCE CAMPAIGN SEASON

With the conclusion of party primaries, the stage is now set for what promises to be a fiercely contested race.

With campaigns expected to intensify in the coming months, attention will turn to how these candidates plan to address pressing issues such as insecurity, unemployment, and infrastructure development in the state.

For voters, the election offers another opportunity to shape Anambra’s future; and for the candidates, it is a race not just for power but for the people’s trust.