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Anambra APC Primary Controversy: Valentine Ozigbo Rejects Results, Heads to Court

In the aftermath of the contentious All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary election held on April 5, 2025, Valentine Ozigbo has publicly declared his intention to challenge the results through the party’s Appeals Committee. The primary election, which was expected to select a candidate for the upcoming Anambra state gubernatorial race, has been marred by allegations of manipulation, irregularities, and voter disenfranchisement. Ozigbo, who was a prominent contender in the primary, described the process as “a charade” and a “well-orchestrated heist designed to deliver a predetermined outcome.”

The APC’s Anambra primary election, according to Ozigbo, was tainted by widespread issues. The most glaring concern, as highlighted by the candidate in his statement, was the composition of the delegate list, which he claims included non-party members. Ozigbo further alleged that genuine party loyalists were either locked out or violently barred from voting, raising serious questions about the integrity of the process. Additionally, the candidate pointed to the absence of proper accreditation and claims of vote manipulation, which left the final tally of votes in question.

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In his statement, Ozigbo made it clear that his petition to the Appeals Committee was not just about his personal loss, but about the broader integrity of the democratic process and the future of Anambra State. He stressed that the primary election’s flaws undermined the values that APC stands for and called on the party to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent. “This is not just about me,” he said. “It is about the soul of our democracy. About the values we claim to represent. About the future we owe our children.”

Ozigbo further assured his supporters that he would remain steadfast in his pursuit of justice, vowing to continue fighting for a fair process. He emphasized that his participation in politics was motivated by a desire to restore integrity to governance, not for personal gain. “I did not join politics to decorate the register, receive accolades, or shop for appointments. I came to be part of a generation that restores integrity to our political system,” he affirmed.

In a tone that resonated with both defiance and optimism, Ozigbo outlined his commitment to the people of Anambra, stating that he would not be distracted by the events of April 5, nor would he turn to other political avenues. “I will stay the course. I will not run to the Senate, nor will I pivot to another political opportunity for the sake of ambition. I will stand firm, here, in the APC, and I will fight this good fight to its just end,” Ozigbo proclaimed.

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The statement, which was signed by Ozigbo on April 8, 2025, was not just a declaration of intent but also a rallying cry to his supporters. “To our supporters — the dreamers, the believers, the Valiants, and the tireless builders of this Movement — I say: Keep your heads up. Our mission continues,” Ozigbo urged. He called on his followers to remain strong, hopeful, and committed to the cause, reiterating that the mission was bigger than any individual and that their collective efforts would not go in vain.

The ongoing dispute within the APC concerning the Anambra primary has raised eyebrows both within the party and in the wider political community. As the Appeals Committee prepares to review Ozigbo’s petition, many are watching closely to see how the party will address the serious allegations that have surfaced. The stakes are high, not just for the party, but for the credibility of the democratic process in Anambra State.

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Ozigbo’s statement also struck a chord with broader political narratives, referencing global struggles for justice, equality, and human rights. Citing historical movements such as the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and Nelson Mandela’s fight for freedom in South Africa, Ozigbo made the point that freedom and justice are never easily won. He concluded his remarks with a reminder that “freedom is never freely given — it is fought for.”

As tensions rise ahead of the party’s review of the primary election, Ozigbo’s appeal for fairness and transparency is likely to shape discussions about the future of APC’s leadership in Anambra. His call for unity within the party and his determination to ensure that the process remains democratic could become a defining moment for APC in Anambra as the state moves closer to the gubernatorial election.

The question now remains: will the APC heed Ozigbo’s call for justice and uphold the values it espouses, or will the outcome of the April 5 primary stand unchallenged?

As the appeals process unfolds, the fate of the party’s candidate and, by extension, the future of Anambra State’s governance, hangs in the balance.

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Excerpt

My dear friends, supporters, members of our great party, and Ndi Anambra,

First, I give glory to God Almighty — the source of strength, grace, and clarity. In moments of darkness, His light always finds a way to shine through. His mercies endure and renew each day, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

Yesterday, I formally submitted a petition to the Appeals Committee of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the so-called primary election conducted in Anambra on April 5, 2025. That exercise, by all observable standards, was a charade — a well-orchestrated heist designed to deliver a predetermined outcome.

The facts are now public: non-party members populated the delegate list; genuine party faithful were locked out or violently barred from voting; accreditation was either skipped or manipulated; and votes were counted without transparency.

This is not just about me. It is about the soul of our democracy. About the values we claim to represent. About the future we owe our children.

Now, many are asking, “Val, what next?” My answer is simple and unshaken: I will stay the course. I did not join politics to decorate the register, receive accolades, or shop for appointments. I came to be part of a generation that restores integrity to our political system, that makes governance accountable, and that builds the kind of country we all deserve.

My mission is clear. It is to serve Ndi Anambra with humility, vision, and excellence. That mission began long before April 5, and it will continue far beyond the treachery of that day.

Thus, I will not be distracted. I will not run to the Senate, nor will I pivot to another political opportunity for the sake of ambition. I will stand firm, here, in the APC, and I will fight this good fight to its just end. Because Ndi Anambra are worth it. Because our democracy is worth it.

History teaches us that freedom is never freely given — it is fought for. The Civil Rights Movement in the United States, Nelson Mandela’s long walk to freedom, Moses leading the children of Israel out of Egypt, Nigeria’s own fight for independence from the British — all remind us that oppression always fights back before it breaks. That is what we are witnessing today: the dying kicks of a system scared of change. But Anambra must change for good. And it will.

Let me be clear: I am not a transactional politician. I do not seek power for its own sake. I seek it to make a difference — to restore dignity, create jobs, secure lives, and light a path for the next generation. The sham of April 5 was not just a fraud against me; it was a theft against Ndi Anambra.

To the architects of that manipulation, I say this; The future cannot be bribed or bullied. The people are watching. History is recording.

To our supporters — the dreamers, the believers, the Valiants, and the tireless builders of this Movement — I say: Keep your heads up. Our mission continues. Stay strong. Stay hopeful. We will not back down. We will not break.

Let us remind the APC that this election is a defining moment — not just for Anambra, but for the credibility of our party and the soul of our nation. The Party still has a chance to right this wrong and present a candidate who can truly win and govern.

May wisdom guide us, may courage strengthen us, and may the grace of God continue to carry us.

Ka Anambra Chawapu.

Thank you, and God bless you all.

Signed,