The All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in Anambra State has ended in confusion, with allegations that the eight-member Congress Committee has gone into hiding.
The congress, held across the 326 wards in 21 local government areas, was meant to elect delegates for the upcoming gubernatorial primary election, reports Vanguard.
However, the delay in announcing results has sparked anxiety among the seven governorship aspirants cleared by the APC national secretariat in Abuja.
Among the contenders are Sir Paul Chukwuma, Prof. Obiora Francis Okonkwo, and Prince Nicholas Chukwujekwu Ukachukwu, all vying for the party’s ticket ahead of the April 5, 2025, primary election.
Accusations of foul play have surfaced, with some alleging that the state party leadership is attempting to manipulate the process. However, APC State Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, downplayed the concerns, acknowledging minor challenges but insisting they were not enough to derail the entire process.
It was gathered that members of the state executive are aligning with different aspirants, further fueling confusion and division within the party.
Meanwhile, three aspirants—one each from Anambra North, Central, and South—have emerged as frontrunners based on the voting patterns observed during the March 15 delegates election.
A party official expressed concern that the unresolved issues surrounding the ward congress could lead to internal discord and weaken the party’s chances in the November 8, 2025, governorship election.
“With the delegate elections now largely concluded, all eyes are on the Election Supervision Committee. There is widespread demand for transparency and fairness in the collation of results,” the official stated.
He emphasised that the credibility of the process is crucial for the party’s unity and the broader democratic process.
“The election was marred in some areas by skirmishes and attempts by rival aspirants to disrupt the process. These incidents highlight the desperation that arises when financial inducement fails to sway committed party members,” he added.
Despite the tension, he commended APC members in Anambra for resisting external pressures and remaining committed to upholding the integrity of the process.
