The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary for the November 8, 2025, gubernatorial election in Anambra State was rocked by violence on Saturday as thugs loyal to one aspirant disrupted the delegate accreditation process. Reports from Sunday PUNCH indicate that the chaos began when private security operatives and suspected hoodlums, aligned with one candidate, forcibly took over the gate of the primary venue, effectively barring accredited delegates from entering.
According to eyewitnesses, the gate remained barricaded for several hours. Only individuals carrying branded ID cards linked to the favored aspirant were allowed entry, while delegates supporting other candidates were turned away, harassed, and, in some instances, physically assaulted. Journalists attempting to cover the accreditation exercise were also denied access to the venue.
Dr. Valentine Oliobi, the state Publicity Secretary of the APC, expressed his deep concern over the incident. “This is a serious matter. This is not just thuggery anymore; there appears to be active collusion with security forces meant to protect us. Delegates are being stopped at the gate by some people loyal to an aspirant, and the police are cooperating with them. It is not what the party stands for,” he said. The violence and exclusionary tactics were further condemned by the Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Organisation. Ephraim Adiele, spokesperson for one of the aspirants, described the incident as an attempt to “hijack the primary” through intimidation and force, calling for a level playing field.
As of the time of filing, accreditation was still ongoing at the venue, though many delegates remained unable to participate in the process.
In related developments, political tensions continue to run high in Anambra ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial election. Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has emerged unopposed as the flagbearer for the All Progressives Grand Alliance, having secured over 300 votes during the primary held in Awka. Meanwhile, Chief George Moughalu, the former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, emerged as the Labour Party candidate after polling 573 votes to defeat rival John Nwosu, who garnered just 19 votes at a primary held at Finotel Hotel, Awka.
The APC primary was conducted in the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and several electoral observers. Out of 649 delegates, 601 were accredited, with a record of 592 valid votes cast and five invalid votes.
Amid the escalating tensions, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its governorship primary from April 5 to April 8. The PDP chairman in the state, Chidi Chidebe, confirmed the postponement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, stating that the decision was made to complete necessary administrative processes and ensure a smooth exercise. “Our primary election will now be held on Tuesday, April 8. With the confusion in other parties, it’s clear that PDP is not the problem,” Chidebe asserted.
As political parties gear up for the gubernatorial race, the events in the APC primary have cast a spotlight on the challenges of ensuring free and fair internal party elections amid rising tensions and allegations of collusion. The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of the selection process and the broader implications for democratic practices in the state.
