Breaking: Valentine Ozigbo Officially Joins APC
In a major political shift, Valentine Ozigbo, the former gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday, February 20th, 2025. This announcement came at a grand ceremony held at Ward 5 in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, and marks the latest chapter in Ozigbo’s evolving political journey. The political landscape in Anambra and the broader Southeast region is bound to feel the ripple effects of this defection, especially as the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial elections draw closer.
Ozigbo’s defection has raised eyebrows for several reasons, with his political trajectory being far from linear. His journey from the PDP to the Labour Party (LP), and now to the APC, underscores the fluidity of Nigerian politics, where political affiliations can shift rapidly depending on both personal ambitions and national trends.
Before entering politics, Valentine Ozigbo was a prominent businessman. He was the Group President and CEO of Transcorp, one of Nigeria’s most diversified conglomerates, with investments spanning hospitality, energy, and agriculture. His leadership in Transcorp is remembered for its transformative growth, making him a highly respected figure in the Nigerian business community. Ozigbo’s success in the corporate world gave him the confidence to venture into politics, where he believed his business acumen could contribute to the development of Anambra State.
Ozigbo’s political career began with his bid to become the governor of Anambra State. In the 2021 Anambra gubernatorial elections, he was the candidate for the PDP. Though he was unable to win, Ozigbo’s candidacy garnered significant support, and he quickly emerged as one of the most influential political figures in Anambra. His loss did not diminish his profile, and many political observers viewed him as a potential future leader of the state.
However, his time in the PDP was not without controversy. A major turning point in Ozigbo’s political journey came when Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), reportedly hijacked the PDP’s 2021 primary in favor of Ozigbo, making him the party’s gubernatorial candidate. This move drew significant criticism, with many PDP members questioning Obi’s motivations and the fairness of the process. Nevertheless, Ozigbo, despite these internal party struggles, accepted the PDP nomination and went on to contest the election.
The 2023 presidential election brought about another seismic shift in Ozigbo’s political affiliations. As Peter Obi’s presidential campaign gathered momentum, Ozigbo, disillusioned with the PDP, decided to join Obi’s Labour Party (LP). Obi’s bid to secure the presidency, although ultimately unsuccessful, captivated many Nigerians, particularly in the Southeast, who viewed him as a fresh alternative to the traditional political elites.
Ozigbo’s decision to join Obi in the LP was seen by many as a strategic move, as it allowed him to align with a high-profile political figure who shared his vision for change. Obi’s political philosophy, which emphasized economic empowerment, good governance, and anti-corruption, resonated with Ozigbo. Additionally, joining the LP provided Ozigbo an opportunity to position himself as part of a new political wave in Anambra and beyond.
Despite his commitment to Obi and the LP, Ozigbo’s stay in the party was short-lived. The internal challenges and the realities of politics soon became evident, and Ozigbo ultimately decided to leave the Labour Party on February 19th, 2025, after less than two years. This departure set the stage for his formal move to the APC just a day later.
On February 20th, 2025, Ozigbo made his defection to the APC official in a well-attended event in Amesi, Aguata LGA. In his speech, Ozigbo stated that his decision to join the APC was based on his belief that the party offers the best platform for the progress and development of Anambra State and Nigeria at large.
Ozigbo highlighted the significant strides made by the APC-led federal government in terms of infrastructure, economic development, and national security. He emphasized that under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, the APC had made a genuine effort to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges. He expressed his desire to bring his wealth of experience to the APC and help shape the future of Anambra State, which he believed required a new direction.
“I am here today because I believe in the vision and direction of the APC,” Ozigbo said during the ceremony. “For too long, Anambra has been held back by poor leadership and divisive politics. I am confident that by working together with the APC, we can bring the change our state needs.”
Ozigbo’s defection to the APC is bound to have significant political implications in Anambra and beyond. As the 2025 gubernatorial elections loom large, Ozigbo’s move to the APC is particularly noteworthy because he is positioning himself to contest for the APC’s gubernatorial ticket in Anambra State. With a high-profile candidacy and a well-established network, Ozigbo’s bid for the governorship of Anambra State will make the race much more competitive, especially considering the heavyweights already eyeing the APC ticket.
Several prominent political figures within the APC are also said to be considering a run for the party’s ticket in Anambra, including Paul Chukwuma, Obiora Okonkwo, Chief Umeji, and Nicholas Ukachukwu. These individuals, who have their own political bases and support networks, will make the primary elections for the APC ticket highly contested. Ozigbo will need to navigate these challenges as he seeks to secure the party’s endorsement.
The contest for the APC gubernatorial ticket is expected to be intense. Each of the aspirants has their own strengths, ranging from experience in governance to significant political influence in the region. Paul Chukwuma, a seasoned political figure, has built strong ties within the APC, while Obiora Okonkwo has an established political base in the Southeast. Chief Umeji and Nicholas Ukachukwu also bring their own strengths to the table, particularly in terms of financial resources and grassroots support.
Ozigbo’s entry into the APC primary race adds an additional layer of complexity. As a former PDP candidate and a known political figure, Ozigbo will have a significant support base in Anambra. His business background and political visibility will also provide him with the resources needed to run a competitive campaign. However, his time in the Labour Party and his recent switch to the APC will likely become points of contention, with opponents questioning his political consistency.
The APC’s presence in the Southeast has historically been weaker compared to other regions, particularly the South-South and Southwest. However, the APC has been making inroads in the region, especially as President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has made significant investments in infrastructure and economic development. The party’s efforts to foster alliances with local political figures like Ozigbo could help solidify its foothold in Anambra State.
With Ozigbo’s defection, the APC now has a credible and experienced candidate who is well-placed to challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State. APGA has historically been the dominant party in the state, but the entry of figures like Ozigbo into the APC could shift the balance of power. APGA, under the leadership of Governor Charles Soludo, will have to work hard to maintain its hold on Anambra as the APC consolidates its efforts in the state.
While Ozigbo’s defection to the APC is a strategic move, there are significant challenges ahead. First and foremost, Ozigbo will have to navigate the internal dynamics of the APC in Anambra, where competition for the gubernatorial ticket is fierce. As mentioned earlier, other major figures like Paul Chukwuma, Obiora Okonkwo, Chief Umeji, and Nicholas Ukachukwu are all potential contenders, and Ozigbo will need to work hard to win their support while consolidating his base.
In addition to the internal APC dynamics, Ozigbo will also face competition from the APGA, which remains a powerful force in Anambra politics. Governor Charles Soludo, a former central banker, has proven to be a formidable political figure, and APGA is likely to mount a strong defense of its dominance in the state. Ozigbo will need to differentiate himself from Soludo and offer a compelling vision for Anambra’s future to persuade voters to make a change.
Furthermore, Ozigbo’s political journey has been marked by shifting allegiances, which may raise questions among voters about his political consistency and long-term commitment to the APC. His defection from the PDP to the LP, and now from the LP to the APC, may be seen by some as opportunistic, which could affect his chances of gaining broad-based support.
Ozigbo’s defection has generated mixed reactions. Supporters of the APC in Anambra have hailed his move, arguing that it represents a positive step toward the party’s growth in the state. They point to Ozigbo’s business success, his previous gubernatorial bid, and his connection to the Southeast as key assets that will help the APC gain ground in Anambra.
One APC member in Aguata LGA remarked, “Ozigbo’s entry into the APC is a game-changer. He has the experience, the resources, and the network to make a real difference in Anambra politics. We are ready to work with him.”
However, some critics have questioned the motives behind Ozigbo’s defection, noting his history of party switching. Some see it as a tactical move to secure political power rather than a genuine commitment to the party’s ideals. “Nigerian politicians often move from one party to another when it suits their interests,” said a political analyst. “We will have to see whether Ozigbo’s defection leads to real change or is just another political maneuver.”
Valentine Ozigbo’s defection to the APC is a significant moment in the political history of Anambra State. As he sets his sights on the 2025 gubernatorial elections, Ozigbo will face fierce competition both from within his new party and from rival parties. His success will depend on his ability to unite different factions within the APC, present a compelling vision for Anambra’s future, and convince voters that his political journey is driven by a genuine desire to serve the people, not just personal ambition.
As the 2025 elections approach, the political scene in Anambra is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and contested in recent memory. Ozigbo’s defection to the APC has added a new dynamic to the race, and it remains to be seen how this will influence the broader political landscape of the state. Whatever the outcome, Ozigbo’s journey is a reflection of the ever-changing nature of Nigerian politics, where allegiances shift and political fortunes rise and fall with each new development.
