Valentine Ozigbo Clears Key Hurdle in Anambra Gubernatorial Bid with APC Screening
Valentine Ozigbo, a prominent Nigerian business leader and a leading contender for the governorship of Anambra State, made significant strides in his political journey on Saturday, March 8, 2025. He successfully participated in the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial screening at the party’s National Secretariat in Wuse II, Abuja. This step marks a pivotal moment in his bid to become the party’s candidate for the November election in Anambra State.
The screening, conducted under the oversight of the APC National Working Committee, was chaired by His Excellency Ibrahim Shehu Shema, the former Governor of Katsina State. Ozigbo’s successful participation in this process has solidified his position as one of the most formidable contenders for the APC ticket, setting the stage for a heated race leading up to the upcoming governorship election in Anambra.
Emerging from the screening, Ozigbo reaffirmed his commitment to providing leadership that prioritizes good governance, economic growth, security, and the welfare of the people of Anambra. His dedication to transforming the state into a hub of industry and innovation has garnered him significant attention across the country, with many considering him a potential game-changer for Anambra politics.
Speaking to journalists after the screening, Ozigbo shared his motivations for running for governor, emphasizing Anambra’s need for leadership that focuses on progress, security, and economic transformation. “I have always been guided by my principles—my allegiance is first to God, then to the people of Anambra, and finally to the greater good of Nigeria,” Ozigbo stated, reaffirming his deep-rooted commitment to public service and to advancing the state’s interests.
As a philanthropist and a respected business leader, Ozigbo is widely recognized as one of Nigeria’s most influential corporate figures. Before venturing into politics, he was the President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, where he spearheaded significant growth and investments across the country. Under his leadership, Transcorp became one of Nigeria’s leading conglomerates, contributing substantially to the national economy through sectors such as hospitality, energy, and real estate.
Ozigbo’s experience in corporate governance, finance, and economic development has positioned him uniquely to drive Anambra’s transformation into a state characterized by innovation, industrial growth, and economic prosperity. He believes that his expertise and background in business will allow him to address the persistent challenges facing the state, including security concerns, economic stagnation, and the lack of basic infrastructure.
“Anambra deserves leadership that is visionary, accountable, and people-focused,” Ozigbo remarked. “We cannot afford to repeat the same cycles of governance that have failed to address security challenges, economic stagnation, and lack of basic infrastructure.”
Ozigbo’s candidacy has garnered significant attention because of his blend of business acumen and a strong desire to bring about systemic change. His message resonates with many, especially in a state like Anambra, which has a rich history of commerce, industry, and culture but faces significant challenges when it comes to governance and development.
Ozigbo’s political trajectory has been closely watched by both political observers and the public. His decision to shift from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC has raised eyebrows in political circles, but Ozigbo remains undeterred by criticism or concerns surrounding his party switch. According to Ozigbo, his decision to join the APC was not about personal ambition but rather about the need to serve the people of Anambra with the resources and structure available within the party.
“Politics should not be about personal ambition or sentiment—it should be about delivering value to the people,” Ozigbo explained. “After careful thought, I realized that the best way to serve Ndi Anambra was through a platform that offers the structure and capacity to drive real development. APC provides that opportunity.”
This shift, however, has caused some division among his supporters, particularly those who were loyal to him during his time with the Labour Party. Some of them have expressed concerns about his new alignment with the APC. However, Ozigbo remains confident that his core supporters will continue to stand by him, regardless of party affiliation.
“The same Valentine Ozigbo that people supported yesterday is the same today,” he asserted. “I remain true to my values of transparency, inclusiveness, and service.” His unwavering commitment to these values has helped him maintain a strong base of support, even as he transitions into a new political party.
Ozigbo’s move to the APC aligns him with a party that has established a strong presence at the national level and has shown the ability to provide the kind of political structure necessary for winning gubernatorial elections. Many view this as a strategic decision that enhances his chances of winning the election and implementing the change he envisions for Anambra.
With the APC’s screening process now concluded, Ozigbo is looking ahead to the party’s gubernatorial primary, which will ultimately determine the official candidate for the APC in the November election. Ozigbo’s success in the screening has positioned him as a strong contender, and he remains a formidable force in the race for the governorship seat. His grassroots appeal, combined with his cross-party endorsements, has made him one of the most widely discussed candidates.
“This is not about me—it is about the future of Anambra,” Ozigbo emphasized in his remarks. He is committed to rallying all who share his vision of progress, security, and development in Anambra, calling on voters to join his movement. “I call on all who believe in progress to join this movement. Together, we will build an Anambra that works for everyone.”
Ozigbo’s supporters have already begun organizing in anticipation of the APC primary and the upcoming general election. His campaign is expected to be driven by his core values of unity, transparency, and service to the people. His message of inclusiveness and economic empowerment is expected to resonate strongly with voters across Anambra, particularly as the state continues to grapple with the challenges of development and governance.
Ozigbo’s political journey is closely tied to his commitment to public service and his desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of everyday Nigerians. In 2020, after leaving his position as CEO of Transcorp, Ozigbo launched the Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (VCO) Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to empowering communities and supporting youth development in Anambra and beyond.
His decision to dedicate himself fully to public service marked a significant shift in his career, as he chose to leverage his resources, influence, and leadership skills for the greater good of society. His philanthropic work, which spans education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, has earned him widespread recognition as one of Nigeria’s most impactful business leaders.
In addition to the foundation, Ozigbo launched the Valiant Movement, a tech and youth-driven grassroots initiative focused on empowering young people and driving social change in Anambra. The movement’s slogan, “Ka Anambra Chawapu” (meaning “Anambra must shine brighter”), has become a rallying cry for those who believe in a brighter future for the state.
The Valiant Movement has mobilized thousands of young people across Anambra, bringing a fresh energy to the political landscape. The movement’s focus on youth, technology, and innovation has given Ozigbo’s campaign a modern and dynamic edge, appealing to younger voters who are seeking leaders who understand the importance of technology and innovation in driving economic development.
As the election cycle gains momentum, political observers are closely watching how Ozigbo’s campaign unfolds. His alignment with the APC and his grassroots support have already made him a serious contender for the governorship seat. However, he will face stiff competition from other key players in Anambra’s political landscape, many of whom have longstanding ties to the state’s political establishment.
Ozigbo’s success in the APC screening is a strong indication that he is ready to compete at the highest levels of politics. His experience in business and his unifying leadership style give him a significant advantage over other candidates. As the APC prepares for its gubernatorial primary, Ozigbo’s ability to attract cross-party support and his strong grassroots base will likely be key factors in determining the outcome of the election.
Valentine Ozigbo’s successful participation in the APC gubernatorial screening represents a crucial step forward in his bid to become the next governor of Anambra State. With his proven leadership skills, commitment to public service, and vision for the future of Anambra, Ozigbo is positioning himself as a transformative figure in the state’s political landscape. As he prepares for the upcoming primary and election, his message of unity, progress, and economic transformation is resonating with many, and he remains a formidable contender in the race for Anambra’s governorship. Political observers, party members, and the people of Anambra will be watching closely as Ozigbo’s campaign continues to take shape in the coming months.
