The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has dismissed allegations of internal crisis linked to the fallout of its primaries for the 2027 national and state legislative elections. The party also refuted claims that Governor Chukwuma Soludo's open support for President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) could confuse APGA members into voting for APC candidates.
APGA defends Soludo's support for Tinubu
APGA National Publicity Secretary Mazi Ejimofor Opara defended Governor Soludo's decision to support President Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election, describing it as an unwritten convention. Speaking at the weekend when certificates of return were presented to 44 flag bearers for the 2027 national and state legislative elections, Opara stated that APGA's support for the ruling party at the centre is a time-tested tradition.
“Even before the November 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, we said the progressives are working together. In that gubernatorial election, APC fielded candidates but APGA won overwhelmingly. Our people are politically wise, and when it comes to the presidential election, we know how we play it,” Opara said.
He cited examples: “APGA supported the Goodluck Jonathan administration of the PDP in 2011. Under the Willie Obiano administration, APGA supported President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC in 2019. This time, APGA is supporting Tinubu. It has become more beautiful because APC professes progressivism. The ideological colouration of APC aligns with what APGA professes.”
Dismissal of NDC and Peter Obi threat
On the potential threat from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which is fielding Igbo candidate Peter Obi, Opara dismissed NDC as not a serious political party. “NDC isn’t a party but an arrangement of convenience, a mere Special Purpose Vehicle. No, we don’t see it as a force or potential threat,” he said.
Certificates of return issued to 44 candidates
Opara announced that the party had sorted out legislative winners and issued certificates of return to 44 successful contestants: three Senatorial districts, 11 federal House of Representatives seats, and 30 House of Assembly seats in Anambra State. The 44 standard bearers were also given INEC Form EC 9 (Affidavit of Personal Particulars) to fill and return within a week, in line with the Electoral Act and INEC Guidelines.
Form EC 13 C was issued to Senate flag bearers, Form EC 13 D for the House of Representatives, and Form EC 13 E for the State House of Assembly. Opara said the party has assembled a winning team, dismissing opposition parties as posing no threat.
List of key candidates
Certificates were presented to Senatorial flag bearers: Senator Stella Oduah (Anambra North), Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu (Anambra South), and Hon. Dozie Nwankwo (Anambra Central). Federal House of Representatives candidates included Hon. Paschal Agbodike (Ihiala), Hon. Maureen Gwacham (Oyi/Ayamelum), and Hon. Obby Nwankwo (Awka North and South). State Assembly candidates included Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze (Ogbaru 1), Majority Leader Ikenna Ofodeme (Nnewi North), Hon. Kingsley Onochie (Idemili North), Hon. Ibemeka (Njikoka), and Kosisochukwu Ibemesi (Oyi), among others.
Candidates promise to deliver dividends
In their remarks, Hon. Nwankwo (Anambra Central) and Hon. Agbodike (Ihiala) thanked constituents for their confidence and promised to prioritize their interests. They said APGA fields experienced, tested, and trusted candidates who will serve as a strong legislative link with Governor Soludo to deliver democracy dividends including security, good governance, and wellbeing of the masses.
