A fresh crisis has erupted within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, as executive members in Awka North Local Government Area have rejected the outcome of the party’s primary election for the Awka North State Constituency seat, calling for an immediate rerun.
The aggrieved party officials, comprising ward chairmen, secretaries, and other stakeholders across the 14 wards in the council area, described the exercise as a “daylight robbery,” alleging widespread irregularities and manipulation of results.
Results currently circulating on social media indicate that Ekegbue Emmanuel polled 4,721 votes to emerge winner, defeating the incumbent lawmaker, Ikwunne Chimezie, who reportedly scored 1,633 votes.
However, speaking on behalf of the executives, the APGA Local Government Chairman, Mr. James Onwuka, dismissed the outcome, insisting that the incumbent lawmaker enjoyed overwhelming grassroots support and was duly elected by party members.
Onwuka alleged that the electoral process was hijacked in several communities, with results allegedly fabricated in areas where voting did not take place. He listed affected wards to include Ugbenu, Awba Ofemili, Amansea, Mgbakwu, and Amanuke, among others.
According to him, the declared winner could not have emerged victorious in a credible contest due to what he described as a lack of popularity among party members in the constituency.
He warned that presenting Emmanuel as the party’s candidate for the general election could jeopardize APGA’s chances in Awka North, urging urgent intervention from the state leadership.
“We appeal to the governor and party leadership to ensure justice by either returning the incumbent member or conducting a rerun in the affected wards,” Onwuka stated.
He added that confidence in the party’s internal democratic process must be restored to prevent disaffection among members ahead of future elections.
In a bold assertion, Onwuka said the executives were willing to resign if a rerun is conducted and the declared winner secures even 40 per cent of the votes in Awka North.
The chairman also called for the replacement of the returning officers and recommended that non-indigenes be assigned to distribute election materials in any rerun to guarantee transparency.
READ ALSO: Soludo says two kings in one community taboo in Igbo tradition, seeks unity in Awka
APC to Present Tinubu with Certificate of Return, Party Flag Ahead of 2027 Presidential Election
Efforts to reach the incumbent lawmaker, Ikwunne Chimezie, for comments were unsuccessful as of press time. However, a party source confirmed that he has filed a petition before the party’s appeal panel, formally challenging the outcome of the primary.
The development signals a growing internal rift within APGA in Anambra State, raising concerns about party unity ahead of the forthcoming elections.
About The Author
