As the 2025 Anambra governorship election approaches, seven aspirants are set to battle for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket. The contenders include prominent figures such as Valentine Ozigbo, Obiora Okonkwo, Paul Chukwuma, and Nicholas Ukachukwu.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Anambra gubernatorial election for Saturday, November 8, 2025. Meanwhile, APC’s primary election is set for April 5, 2025, where the party’s flagbearer will emerge.
According to the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the screening committee, led by former Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema, has cleared the following candidates:
1. Valentine Ozigbo
A former banker and ex-CEO of Transcorp Plc, Valentine Ozigbo is a well-known business executive. He previously contested the 2021 Anambra governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but lost to Governor Charles Soludo. Ozigbo later joined the Labour Party before resigning and aligning with APC to further his political aspirations.
2. Obiora Okonkwo
Obiora Okonkwo, chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, has positioned himself as a business-oriented leader seeking to turn Anambra into an investment hub. He holds a first-class degree in Economics and Management of National Economy and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Russian Academy of Science.
3. Johnbosco Onunkwo
A seasoned engineer with expertise in the oil and gas sector, Johnbosco Onunkwo has made a name for himself in business and governance. He advocates for “precision engineering in leadership,” focusing on strategic planning, infrastructure development, and efficient governance.
4. Paul Chukwuma
Paul Chukwuma, a former APC National Auditor, hails from Ihiala, Anambra State. With experience in both politics and business, he also serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Olivia University in Burundi, blending academic and economic strategies in his campaign.
5. Chukwuma Umeoji
A businessman and politician, Chukwuma Umeoji is the founder of Bantu Nigeria Limited and Harvestech Nigeria Limited. He represented Aguata Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and previously contested the 2021 Anambra gubernatorial election as a factional candidate under APGA.
6. Nicholas Ukachukwu (Ikukuoma)
Nicholas Ukachukwu, also known as Ikukuoma, is a former chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). He served in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003, focusing on infrastructure, youth empowerment, and rural development. He also ran for governor under APGA in 2021.
7. Edozie Madu
A lawyer and businessman, Edozie Madu hails from Owelle Ezukalla in Orumba South Local Government Area. He was the presidential candidate of the Independent Democrats (ID) party in the 2019 general elections and is recognized for his contributions to governance and philanthropy.
As the APC prepares for its primary election, party leaders, including National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, have expressed confidence that the party will unseat APGA in 2025, citing a need for greater development in Anambra State.
