Confusion has erupted in Anambra State chapter of the All Progressive Congress as three leading aspirants, Sir Paul Chukwuma, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, and Chief Chukwuma Umeoji, announced their withdrawal from the governorship race.
Efforts to instil order and credibility in the All Progressives Congress governorship primary in Awka, Anambra State, were met with confusion and tension on Saturday, as the process dragged late into the evening without a clear direction.
According to Vanguard, despite the exercise being scheduled to commence at 9am, accreditation was still ongoing as of 7pm at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, the designated venue for the primary. A large crowd of party members and supporters remained on ground, waiting anxiously for the process to begin.
As tension mounted, three leading aspirants—Sir Paul Chukwuma, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, and Chief Chukwuma Umeoji—announced their withdrawal from the race. Supporters of the withdrawn candidates cited a lack of transparency and credible arrangements as the major reason behind their exit from the contest.
Sir Paul Chukwuma not only withdrew from the primary but also announced his resignation from the APC entirely, expressing frustration over what he described as the activities of “unprogressive elements” within the party.
Professor Okonkwo, in his formal letter of withdrawal, cited safety concerns and a breakdown of democratic values.
He stated, “After a careful evaluation, and reflection, on the current state of the All Progressives Congress primary election process in Anambra State, I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the party’s governorship ticket.
This decision to withdraw from the race was a difficult but necessary one because of some developments that are inconsistent with my principles and values. The project is not worth risking the lives of my supporters among other reasons.”
He added, “Support has meant a lot and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have connected with so many committed and passionate Anambra people.”
The withdrawal of the three aspirants leaves four contenders still in the race: Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo, and Hon Edozie Madu. Notably, all remaining candidates hail from Anambra South Senatorial Zone, the same region as the incumbent governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.
However, the integrity of the process has come under serious scrutiny. Several supposed delegates of the party have reportedly been lodged in various hotels across Awka, with no clarity on the authentic list of accredited delegates. A party insider revealed that accreditation was being conducted secretly at undisclosed hotels across the state capital, raising further concerns about the transparency and fairness of the primary.
To make matters worse, violence erupted earlier in the day when thugs, allegedly sponsored by one of the aspirants, attacked delegates at one of the locations in an attempt to hijack the process. Several individuals reportedly sustained injuries in the attack, which occurred in the presence of security operatives who appeared overwhelmed.
