Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Anambra State has been hit with controversy, as disputes over parallel delegate lists threaten to derail the process.
The party’s primary election, scheduled for April 5, 2025, was intended to select a candidate for the November 8 governorship election. However, allegations surrounding three conflicting delegate lists have created chaos and deepened the crisis within the party.
Information available to Ikengaonline has it that Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Professor Obiora Okonkwo have been locked in a battle over the authenticity of the delegate list since Friday.
It was also gathered that the only list initially circulating for the primary election appeared to favour Ukachukwu. However, by yesterday evening and into this Saturday morning, a new list allegedly surfaced, seemingly supporting Prof. Okonkwo.
At the same time, another list has emerged reportedly backing Chief John Bosco Onunkwo. This development has only added to the turmoil within the party, casting picture as to why Paul Chukwuma resigned from the party primaries.
In other developments, it was learnt that thugs loyal to an aspirant, Nicholas Ukachukwu, allegedly in concert with some security officials, violently disrupted the APC delegate accreditation process at the Beautiful Gate Hotel, Awka.
The hotel gate had reportedly been taken over by Ukachukwu’s private security operatives and suspected thugs, who, with apparent support from police personnel on the ground, began to prevent accredited delegates without Ukachukwu’s campaign identification from accessing the venue.
Those present at the venue said the gate was barricaded, and only individuals carrying Ukachukwu-branded ID cards were allowed entry.
Delegates supporting other aspirants were turned away, harassed, and in some cases, physically assaulted.
One male delegate was visibly rough-handled by the attackers in full view of security personnel and other delegates.
The incident raised serious concerns about the integrity and fairness of the ongoing primary process.
“This is a serious matter,” said one observer who asked not to be named due to safety concerns.
“It’s not just thuggery anymore; there appears to be active collusion with security forces meant to protect us.
“The APC leadership must act decisively to ensure the safety of delegates and uphold the credibility of the process.
“This kind of thuggery cannot be allowed to go unchecked.”
Disillusionment and anger spread rapidly among supporters of rival aspirants, many of whom were seen leaving the venue in frustration.
Confirming the development was Anambra State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Dr Valentine Oliobi.
“Yes, it is true. Delegates are being stopped at the gate by Nicholas Ukachukwu’s people, and the police are cooperating with them. It is not what the party stands for,” he said.
In a swift reaction, the Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Organisation also condemned the violence and exclusionary tactics.
Speaking on behalf of Ozigbo, campaign spokesperson, Ephraim Adiele, decried what he called an attempt to “hijack the primary” through intimidation and force.
“We reject the politics of violence and call for a level playing field,” Adiele said.
“Clearly, Nicholas Ukachukwu is seeking to hijack the primary. It cannot stand. The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) should act now to prevent crisis.”
At the time of this report, Nicholas Ukachukwu’s camp has not issued any public response to the accusations.
The APC national leadership has also remained silent.
