Anambra Guber Polls: APC Faces Mass Defection, Aggrieved Aspirant Joins YPP

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By Reporter

The just concluded governorship primary election in Anambra State, South East Nigeria may have caused division and disaffection within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Midwest Herald has gathered from inside sources that more than six local government party chairmen have officially resigned from their positions and left the party.

This is in addition, to a significant number of ward-level executives that have also tendered their resignation letters in protest over the selection process that led to the emergence of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as the party’s gubernatorial candidate.

Resignation letters, obtained by journalists, cited the conduct of the primary election as a major factor behind the decision of the party leaders to leave the party.

However, sources revealed that discontent had been growing within the party, especially following the defection and subsequent emergence of former APC aspirant, Sir Paul Chukwuma, as a candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

The resignations have affected several local government areas, including Nnewi South, Njikoka (Nimo), Ihiala, Ogbaru, Oyi, Anambra East, and Dunukofia, among others.

One of the defectors, Tochukwu Okeke from Ihiala, was quoted as expressing disappointment in the party’s treatment of Chukwuma, stating, “I’m leaving to join the YPP.

If someone like Chukwuma, who has been a major pillar of the party for years, can be treated this way, then there’s clearly no regard for the rest of us.”

The development underscores deepening fractures within the Anambra chapter of the APC and this has potentially weakened its structure ahead of the gubernatorial election.

According to reports, a significant political shift is underway in Anambra State as prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) abandon the party, with former governorship aspirant Sir Paul Chukwuma leading the defection to the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

Chukwuma, a key figure in strengthening the APC’s presence across Anambra, cited a lack of transparency and internal democracy as reasons for his exit.

His departure has triggered reactions from several party officials who are resigning in solidarity.

Among them is C. J. Ntomchukwu, the former APC Legal Adviser for Ihiala LGA, who criticized the party’s leadership for failing to uphold democratic principles.

Anthony Amechi Okeke, another defector, explained his decision in a resignation letter, stating: “This decision follows the resignation of my principal, Sir Paul Chukwuma, who was contesting for the party’s gubernatorial nomination in Anambra State.

He has since joined another party, YPP, and I have chosen to follow suit in support of his endeavours.”

Chukwuma, speaking from his home in Nneyi Umueri, emphasized his vision for Anambra, pledging inclusive governance and improved security.

The mass resignations have left the APC in disarray, with political observers questioning its ability to regroup before the election.

Okeke, while expressing gratitude for his time in the APC, affirmed his alignment with Chukwuma’s new direction, further weakening the party’s structure in the state.