Valentine Ozigbo, the former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, has publicly condemned the party’s recent primary election, calling it a “sham” and a “theft” against the people of Anambra.
Ozigbo, who lost to Nicholas Ukachukwu, a former member of the House of Representatives, expressed his frustration and vowed to challenge the results. Ukachukwu emerged victorious with a landslide, securing 1,455 votes, while Ozigbo only received 67 votes. Other candidates, Edozie Madu and Johnbosco Onunkwo, garnered 8 and 26 votes, respectively.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ozigbo described the April 5 primary as “a well-orchestrated heist designed to deliver a predetermined outcome.” He accused the process of being deeply flawed, pointing to non-party members on the delegate list, the exclusion and violence against genuine party members, and the manipulation of accreditation and vote counting.
Ozigbo’s statement read in part: “This is not just about me. It is about the soul of our democracy. About the values we claim to represent. About the future we owe our children.”
He further pledged to continue his political journey, saying, “I did not join politics to decorate the register, receive accolades, or shop for appointments. I came to be part of a generation that restores integrity to our political system.”
Ozigbo rejected the idea of switching political paths or seeking other positions, emphasizing his commitment to staying within the APC and fighting for justice. “I will not be distracted. 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,” he said.
He also drew comparisons to historical struggles for freedom, saying, “History teaches us that freedom is never freely given — it is fought for. The Civil Rights Movement in the United States, Nelson Mandela’s long walk to freedom, Nigeria’s own fight for independence… all remind us that oppression always fights back before it breaks.”
Ozigbo concluded by calling on his supporters to stay hopeful and resilient, urging the APC to right the wrongs of the primary and ensure that the party remains credible. “To our supporters — the dreamers, the believers, the Valiants, and the tireless builders of this Movement — I say: Keep your heads up. Our mission continues. Stay strong. Stay hopeful,” he urged.
“The future cannot be bribed or bullied. The people are watching. History is recording,” Ozigbo added, signaling his resolve to continue fighting for what he believes is right for Anambra.
