Anambra: Violence Mars APC Primary As Soludo, Moughalu Win APGA, LP Tickets

The All Progressives Congress governorship primary for November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election in Anambra State was on Saturday marred by violence, as thugs loyal to one of the aspirants disrupted the delegate accreditation process.

It was gathered that the gate of the venue of the primary was taken over by one of the aspirants’ private security operatives and suspected thugs, who prevented accredited delegates from accessing the venue.

It was observed that the gate was barricaded for several hours, and only individuals carrying that particular aspirant’s branded ID cards were allowed entry while delegates supporting other aspirants were turned away, harassed, and in some cases, physically assaulted.

Journalists were also barred from entering the venue of the accreditation exercise.

The state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Dr Valentine Oliobi, who was visibly angry at the development, said

 “This is a serious matter. This is not just thuggery anymore; there appears to be active collusion with security forces meant to protect us.

“Delegates are being stopped at the gate by some people loyal to an aspirant, and the police are cooperating with them. It is not what the party stands for.”

The Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Organisation also condemned the violence and exclusionary tactics.

Speaking on behalf of one of the aspirants, Valentine Ozigbo’s campaign spokesperson, Ephraim Adiele, decried the development as 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.

As of the time of filing this report, accreditation was still ongoing at the venue while many delegates couldn’t participate.

SOURCE: PUNCH