Anambra primary: Ozigbo sues APC, Ukachukwu, INEC

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By Madu Obi

The All Progressives Congress, APC, aspirant, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, who lost the party's primary for the November 8 governorship election, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Awka, challenging the legitimacy of the gubernatorial primary conducted on April 5, 2025 in Anambra State.

The suit, which names the APC, the winner of the primary, Mr Nicholas Ukachukwu, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants, seeks to nullify Ukachukwu's nomination and compel the party to recognize Ozigbo as the rightful candidate.

It was filed through his legal team led by Umeh Kalu, SAN, and B.C. Igwilo, SAN, and it includes supporting documentation from the party's constitution, internal communications, and delegate registers.

The originating summons urged the court to determine whether the APC violated its rules by allowing Ukachukwu's candidacy, adding that his nonchalance has resulted in a crisis in the Anambra State chapter of the party.

In a statement after filing the suit, Ozigbo said: "When institutions falter, it is the duty of conscience to rise. I have taken that stand—not for self, but for truth, for justice, and for Ndi Anambra. Let us be clear: the April 5, 2025 exercise was not a primary election—it was a well-scripted illusion.

A contrived delegate list filled with names unfamiliar to even the most seasoned party leaders was used for the guber primary. Real APC members were locked out while chaos reigned. No accreditation, no order; just thugs, violence, and a herd of hired hands masquerading as delegates.".

The crux of the matter is that Mr Ukachukwu did not qualify to run under the APC in the first place. He failed to meet the minimum threshold for eligibility and yet, the party machinery was twisted to serve his ambition.

Now, Ukachukwu parades himself, declaring the theatre of deceit that April 5 represents as 'free and fair.' It is an insult to the intelligence of our people and a stain on the integrity of our party.

While he fiddles like Emperor Nero, APC in Anambra is burning. The house is on fire; mass resignations, lawsuits, broken trust, and the so-called candidate dances, oblivious to the smoke and embers."

While stating that he is not desperate for power, Ozigbo said he is only seeking what is just and what is right.

"Our aim is not to fracture the party, but to fortify it; to restore its integrity, renew its credibility, and secure its future as a vehicle for true democratic leadership," Ozigbo wrote.

"Let history record that when a corrupt process attempted to masquerade as legitimacy, we did not stay silent. We stood up. We spoke out. We acted for justice, for our children, and for the future we all deserve," Ozigbo said.

The court is yet to fix a date for hearing.