Valentine Ozigbo, a leading aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race in Anambra State, has formally rejected the results of the party’s primary election held on April 5, 2025. Describing the process as “a well-orchestrated heist designed to deliver a predetermined outcome,” Ozigbo submitted a petition to the APC Appeals Committee challenging the integrity and legitimacy of the exercise.
In a strongly worded statement issued to the media and his supporters, Ozigbo declared the primary “a charade” and enumerated multiple irregularities that, in his view, rendered the process fraudulent. He cited the inclusion of non-party members in the delegate list, the deliberate exclusion and intimidation of legitimate party members, irregular accreditation processes, and a lack of transparency in vote counting as some of the major flaws that marred the election.
“This is not just about me,” Ozigbo emphasized. “It is about the soul of our democracy… the values we claim to represent, and the future we owe our children.”
Despite the outcome, Ozigbo reiterated his commitment to the APC and his mission to serve the people of Anambra State with integrity and vision. He ruled out any intention of switching parties or pursuing alternative political ambitions, affirming instead that he would remain within the APC to seek justice and continue his political journey.
“I will not be distracted,” he stated. “I will stand firm, here, in the APC, and I will fight this good fight to its just end. Because Ndi Anambra are worth it. Because our democracy is worth it.”
Ozigbo framed the events of April 5 as part of a larger resistance to change by entrenched political interests and likened it to historic struggles against oppression. Drawing parallels with global liberation movements and Nigeria’s own path to independence, he argued that the flawed primary reflected a desperate system fearful of reform.
He further warned that the actions of those behind the manipulation would not go unnoticed. “The future cannot be bribed or bullied. The people are watching. History is recording,” he said.
In closing, Ozigbo called on his supporters — whom he referred to as “the dreamers, the believers, the Valiants” — to remain steadfast and hopeful. He urged the APC leadership to reflect on the broader implications of the primary and to take corrective action in the interest of the party’s credibility and Nigeria’s democratic values.
“The Party still has a chance to right this wrong and present a candidate who can truly win and govern,” he said.
The petition submitted to the APC Appeals Committee is expected to spark internal deliberations and may significantly influence the party’s next steps in the lead-up to the Anambra governorship election.
