The All Progressives Congress governorship primary for the November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election in Anambra State suffered from violent disruptions on Saturday when supporters of one contender attacked the credential verification phase for delegates.

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learned that the entrance of the event location where the primaries were held was seized by some of the candidates’ personal security staff and alleged henchmen, blocking access for authorized representatives.

The reporter noted that the entrance remained blocked off for multiple hours, during which time access was granted exclusively to those possessing identification badges associated with one specific candidate. Meanwhile, representatives backing rival candidates faced rejection, intimidation, and occasionally even physical violence.

The journalists were not allowed entry into the location where the accreditation process was taking place.

The State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Dr. Valentine Oliobi, expressed his clear displeasure over the situation, stating, “This is a grave issue. It goes beyond mere thuggery; there seems to be an active collaboration with law enforcement officials whose duty is to safeguard citizens.”

Delegates are being halted at the entrance by individuals who are supporters of a candidate, and the police are working alongside them. This goes against what the party represents.

The Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Organization similarly denounced the acts of aggression and discriminatory practices.

On behalf of one of the candidates, Valentine Ozigbo’s campaign representative, Ephraim Adiele, expressed dismay over the situation, calling it an effort to “takeover the primary” via coercion and force.

“We denounce the politics of violence and advocate for fair play,” Adiele stated.

At the time of submitting this report, the accreditation process was still underway at the location, with numerous delegates unable to join in.

In the meantime, Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has been chosen as the candidate representing the All Progressives Grand Alliance in the upcoming election.

Soludo, who ran uncontested, received more than 300 votes at the primary election held in Awka on Saturday.

Additionally, Chief George Moughalu, who previously served as the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, was nominated as the Labour Party’s candidate.

At the primary conducted at Finotel Hotel in Awka on Saturday, Moughalu secured a total of 573 votes, defeating his sole competitor, John Nwosu, who received 19 votes.

The main election, monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission along with several electoral observers, involved 649 delegates. Out of this number, 601 individuals were accredited, resulting in a total of 592 valid votes and five invalid ones being recorded.

This decision comes after the Peoples Democratic Party rescheduled their gubernatorial primary from April 5 to April 8.

Chidi Chidebe, the PDP chairman in the state, verified this occurrence in Awka when he spoke with the Nigerian news agency on Saturday.

Chidebe stated that the National Secretariat sanctioned the delay to finalize essential administrative procedures and guarantee a seamless operation.

“Our main election has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 8th. Given the disarray in other parties, it’s evident that PDP isn’t the issue,” he stated.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).