Nicholas Ukachukwu Wins APC Gubernatorial Ticket for Anambra, Defeats Valentine Ozigbo

Nicholas Ukachukwu has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Anambra State after securing victory over former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Valentine Ozigbo in the party’s primary election. The primary was held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, marking a significant moment in the lead-up to the state’s gubernatorial election scheduled for later in the year.

The announcement of Ukachukwu’s victory was made by the chairman of the APC primary election committee, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, who declared that the exercise was conducted in compliance with the party’s guidelines and in a transparent manner. Ukachukwu was declared the winner after polling the highest number of votes among all aspirants who participated in the primary.

Nicholas Ukachukwu, a businessman and politician, had previously contested for the governorship seat in Anambra under different political platforms. His latest victory under the APC sets the stage for another attempt to govern the southeastern state. His emergence comes as the party seeks to position itself strongly in a state traditionally dominated by opposition parties.

Valentine Ozigbo, who was the PDP’s flagbearer in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, recently defected to the APC and was seen as one of the top contenders in the race. His loss in the primary came as a surprise to many observers, considering his profile and influence within political circles in the state. Ozigbo had been banking on his prior electoral experience and political networks to secure the APC ticket, but Ukachukwu’s grassroots support and long-standing presence in Anambra politics appear to have given him the edge.

Governor Otu commended the aspirants and delegates for their orderly conduct during the primary, emphasizing that the peaceful outcome was a testament to the party’s commitment to internal democracy. He stated that the APC remains united in its mission to win the Anambra governorship election and called on all aspirants to rally behind the party’s flagbearer to ensure victory in the main election.

Following the announcement, Ukachukwu expressed gratitude to party members and delegates for the confidence they placed in him. He pledged to run an inclusive campaign and called for unity among APC members in Anambra. According to him, the party must come together to present a strong challenge to the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the forthcoming polls.

Ukachukwu promised to focus his campaign on economic development, youth empowerment, security, and infrastructural transformation. He stated that Anambra has the potential to become a model state in Nigeria if governed with transparency, vision, and accountability.

Political analysts see Ukachukwu’s emergence as a strategic move by the APC to consolidate support in key areas of the state, especially in the southern senatorial zone, where he has established strong political influence over the years. His campaign is expected to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with the current administration and appeal to the aspirations of residents seeking change.

Meanwhile, Valentine Ozigbo has not publicly reacted to the outcome of the primary as of the time of this report. It remains to be seen whether he will support the APC candidate or reconsider his political options following the loss.

The APC is aiming to unseat APGA, which has governed Anambra for nearly two decades. The current governor, Charles Soludo, was elected under the APGA platform and is expected to complete his first term in office in 2025.

As the 2025 governorship election in Anambra approaches, the emergence of Nicholas Ukachukwu as the APC flagbearer marks a key moment in the political landscape of the state. His candidacy will be closely watched as the party prepares for a fierce electoral contest in one of Nigeria’s politically dynamic southeastern states.