ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) — Confusion and uncertainty marred the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Anambra State on Saturday, as the process was plagued by significant delays, alleged irregularities, and last-minute withdrawals by leading aspirants.
Despite the primaries being scheduled to begin at 9:00 am, accreditation of delegates was still ongoing as late as 7:00 pm, sparking widespread frustration and suspicion.
Amid the chaos, three top contenders Sir Paul Chukwuma, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, and Chief Chukwuma Umeoji announced their withdrawal from the race.
They cited a lack of transparency and integrity in the conduct of the exercise. In a dramatic turn, Chukwuma went further to resign from the APC entirely.
Remaining in the contest are Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Valentine Ozigbo, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, and Hon. Edozie Madu, all of whom are from Anambra South Senatorial Zone, the same region as the incumbent governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
Sources at the venue revealed that many purported delegates were being accommodated in various hotels across Awka, while confusion persisted over the authenticity of the delegate list.
Vanguard reports that at the primary’s official venue the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre a large crowd of party members and observers waited throughout the day, with no voting taking place by 6:30 pm.
READ ALSO: Why I Returned To APC After Leaving For PDP – Shehu Sani
According to party insiders, accreditation of delegates was allegedly taking place discreetly at unnamed hotels, away from the public eye, fueling doubts about the legitimacy of the process.
The day also witnessed violence, with reports that thugs allegedly hired by one of the aspirants launched an attack on delegates, leaving several injured in an attempt to hijack the process even as security operatives looked on.
In a formal letter explaining his decision to step down, Professor Obiora Okonkwo said:
“After a careful evaluation and reflection on the current state of the APC primary election process in Anambra State, I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the party’s governorship ticket.
”This decision was a difficult but necessary one due to certain developments that are inconsistent with my principles and values. The project is not worth risking the lives of my supporters, among other reasons.”
Despite withdrawing, Okonkwo reiterated his dedication to public service and expressed unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s development vision:
“I will continue contributing to the socio-economic and political development of Anambra State and Nigeria, and I appreciate the trust and support of my political associates, supporters, and stakeholders in the APC and beyond”, he said.
The unfolding situation has deepened tensions within the party, with many stakeholders and observers calling for a transparent, credible resolution to the disrupted primary process.