Anambra Political Landscape Shifts as Former Lawmaker Exits APGA
In a significant development within Anambra State's political sphere, Hon. Chris Emeka Azubogu, a former member of the House of Representatives, has formally resigned from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The resignation, which has sparked varied reactions, highlights ongoing internal dynamics within the party.
Azubogu's Resignation Letter Reveals Deep-Seated Grievances
Hon. Azubogu, who represented Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Local Government Areas in the National Assembly, submitted his resignation letter dated December 29, 2025. The document was addressed to the Umudim-Nnewi APGA Ward 1 chairman and made public on January 22, 2026.
In the letter, Azubogu expressed that after deep reflection on his political journey since returning to APGA, he faced deliberate obstacles and subtle internal sabotage. He specifically cited these issues as factors that derailed the party's chances in the 2023 Anambra South senatorial election. "Considering all that I have been through over the period, including deliberate hiccups created on my path, and the subtle internal sabotage... I’m left with no choice at this point than to formally resign my membership of the party effective immediately," he wrote.
Despite his grievances, Azubogu acknowledged the opportunities previously afforded to him by APGA, showing a nuanced departure from the party.
Political Background and Electoral History
Chris Emeka Azubogu has been a prominent figure in Anambra politics, elected to the National Assembly in 2011, 2015, and 2019. His tenure spanned 12 years, during which he served as a federal lawmaker. In 2023, he contested for the Senate under the APGA platform but lost to the late Senator Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, who ran under the Young Progressives Party (YPP). This loss appears to have contributed to the tensions leading to his resignation.
APGA's Response: Mixed Reactions from Party Officials
The reaction from APGA members has been notably divided. Hon. Anthony Muodielo, also known as Classic, the chairman of APGA in Nnewi North Local Government Area, declined to comment on the matter. In a telephone interview on January 24, 2026, he stated that he would not speak because Azubogu did not communicate his resignation to him personally.
However, a notable stakeholder within the party in Nnewi North LGA, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak on behalf of APGA, offered a starkly different perspective. In an exclusive interview on January 14, 2026, the stakeholder asserted that Azubogu "will not be missed by anybody." He criticized Azubogu's contributions, suggesting they were insignificant in improving the welfare of APGA members during his tenure.
The stakeholder further elaborated: "Hon. Azubogu represented Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo LGAs at the national assembly for 12 years, but failed to empower members of his immediate constituency of Nnewi North." He added that there was a serious interpersonal disconnection between the lawmaker and common people in his constituency when he was away.
Emphasizing the party's resilience, the stakeholder claimed that APGA remains strong in Anambra, particularly in Nnewi North, and that Azubogu's departure will not affect the party's fortunes. "It was APGA that made Azubogu who he is, and not the other way round," he concluded, downplaying the impact of the resignation.
Broader Context: Anambra's Political Climate
This resignation occurs against a backdrop of political unrest in Anambra State. Recently, residents of Nnewi North protested over an alleged plan to extend the tenure of Local Government Mayor Hon. Echezona Anazodo beyond the agreed rotational period. Protesters, including youths and community leaders, marched to the palace of Igwe Kenneth Orizu, insisting that a 1997 agreement on rotating mayoral power among four quarters must be upheld.
Such events highlight the ongoing tensions and community-level political arrangements in the region, which may influence broader party dynamics like those seen in Azubogu's case.
Implications for APGA and Future Elections
Azubogu's exit from APGA raises questions about internal party cohesion and strategy as Nigeria approaches future elections. With his resignation citing sabotage and personal adversities, it underscores potential fissures within APGA that could affect its performance in Anambra and beyond.
The stakeholder's dismissive comments suggest that APGA may be positioning itself to minimize the impact of such defections, focusing instead on its grassroots support and historical strength in the state.
As political realignments continue, observers will be watching closely to see how this resignation influences APGA's structure and electoral prospects in the coming years.
