APGA Primaries: Mixed Reactions in Anambra—Discontent and Celebration Coexist

David-Chyddy Eleke reports that the recent primary election of All Progressives Grand Alliance for all elective positions in Anambra state was a mix of discontent and jubilation, with losers complaining while winners celebrated.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 was not just a normal weekend for members of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State. It was a significant day, mirroring the general election that will take place in February 2027. The party has dominated Anambra for 20 years, maintaining power through successive governors and consolidating its hold on the state and its people.

In Anambra, winning the party ticket is often seen as equivalent to winning the general election, because the state is viewed as APGA territory. Rural women, for example, are frequently seen asking for assistance to vote for APGA, which they affectionately call Ojukwu’s party.

These factors made the APGA primary in Anambra a highly competitive affair, with many candidates believing that a party ticket guarantees victory in the general election.

Although the exercise was described as a family affair, it generated tension, complaints, intrigue, and even violence. Many aspirants withdrew from the race after earlier boasting of large followings, admitting that they were coerced, cajolled, or intimidated into stepping down for less popular candidates backed by stronger godfathers.

Meanwhile, others celebrated their victories, describing the election as smooth, transparent, credible, and free of interference.

Among the earliest to express discontent were Hon Ifeanyi Ibezi, Hon Afamefuna Ezenwafor, Chief Akai Egwuonwu, and others.

Ibezi, who was contesting the House of Representatives seat for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency against Hon Ikenna Iyiegbu (also known as Ike Cubana and elder brother of Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, aka Obi Cubana), withdrew early. He cited deference to the party’s supremacy, but sources say party leaders had already decided that Iyiegbu would represent the party in the general election, leaving Ibezi with no choice but to step down to avoid a likely defeat. Our source said it would be difficult for Iyiegbu to face Ibezi in a fair contest, suggesting that Ibezi may have been pressured into withdrawing.

Ibezi’s withdrawal letter read: “In deference to the supremacy of our great party and in respect of the decision communicated to me by the leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), I wish to inform my supporters, APGA faithful and the general public that I will no longer be participating in today’s primary election for the Idemili North and South Federal Constituency. I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming support, encouragement, and goodwill I have received from party faithful and critical stakeholders in the course of this journey, particularly during our flash stops across the 24 wards of the Federal Constituency, where you all came out en masse to show solidarity. Your belief in me remains deeply valued. I urge all my supporters to remain steadfast, committed, and united in the overall interest of our shared vision for a greater future.”

In the Anambra South Senatorial District primary, businessman Chief Akai Egwuonwu, CEO/MD of Stine Industries, also withdrew. His letter read: “I regret to announce my withdrawal from the ongoing APGA Anambra South senatorial race, with immediate effect. This decision is a result of the ongoing bizarre abuse and undue interference with the laid down procedure for the primaries, by the national leadership of our party, APGA. I thank my supporters for their steadfast support and wish our party well.”

THISDAY learned that Egwuonwu’s withdrawal was a protest against the party leadership, which he suspected were siding with the incumbent senator of the area, Senator Emma Nwachukwu, who also won Saturday’s primary.

The most dramatic protest came from Hon Afamefuna Ezenwafor, who was contesting the party ticket for Aguata federal constituency against Hon Chibueze Ofobuike, the incumbent Local Government chairman of Aguata, who is said to have the backing of the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. Unlike others, Ezenwafor did not withdraw and remained in the race to the end.

Reports from communities in the constituency described thugs invading the line for the option A4 election and whipping those waiting to be counted. They were flogged out of the line, while those queuing behind Ofobuike were spared. Ezenwafor stayed to the end and later released a message to his supporters expressing gratitude and discontent with the process.

He said: “With a heart overflowing with gratitude and emotion, I give all thanks to the Almighty God for His grace. In a special way, I sincerely thank each and every one of you for the overwhelming love, support, encouragement, steadfastness, and confidence you showed throughout this journey. Words alone cannot truly express how deeply touched I am by your sacrifices, loyalty, and unwavering belief in our shared vision for Aguata LGA. In moments of pressure, intimidation, harassment, and uncertainty, you stood firm and chose courage over fear, truth over compromise, and conscience over coercion. For this, I will remain eternally grateful.”

“Though the victory we worked so hard for in the House of Representatives primary was unjustly taken away, no one can ever steal our joy, silence our voices, destroy our hope, or break the bond of trust, love, and goodwill we have built together as one family. The strength of a people united by sincerity and conviction can never be defeated. Your massive turnout and determination to defend your mandate despite threats and oppression remain the true victory of this contest. History will forever remember where the people stood when it mattered most.”

“To those who manipulated the process and celebrated the outcome, they may rejoice today, but the greatest loss is the trust and confidence of the people, which cannot be bought, forced, or manipulated. I want you all to know that I remain strong, peaceful, committed, and inspired by your love. This is not the end of our journey; rather, it is another chapter in our collective struggle for justice, fairness, truth, and the continued progress of Aguata LGA and humanity.”

In the midst of complaints and discontent, those who emerged victorious celebrated the process, describing it as transparent while already celebrating their achievement.

In his celebratory message, Senator Emma Nwachukwu, who was declared winner of the party’s ticket for Anambra South Senatorial Zone, said: “I am deeply humbled by the overwhelming support received from our devoted party faithfuls, stakeholders, clergy, traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths, and supporters across the seven local government areas of Anambra South. I want to specially appreciate the leadership of our great party, APGA, led by our National Leader, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, whose transformational leadership continues to redefine governance and development in our dear Anambra State. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to the indefatigable National Chairman of APGA, Ezeokenwa Jr Sly, for his unwavering commitment, and dedication towards strengthening the ideals and future of our great party.”

“I also sincerely appreciate my fellow aspirants for the maturity displayed throughout this process. Though we contested with passion and conviction, we remain members of one family united by a common goal which is the progress of Anambra South. Now is the time to close ranks, unite as brothers, and work together for the journey ahead. This victory is not mine alone, it belongs to every APGA faithful and every Onye Anambra South who believes in selfless service, continuity, and genuine progress. The trust you have reposed in me is a sacred responsibility which I will continue to honour with humility, impact, and sincerity,” he said.