Victor EzejaValentine Ozigbo has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Awka, challenging the legitimacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary conducted on 5 April 2025, in Anambra State.
Prime Business Africa reports that Ozigbo, who left the Labour Party in February to join the APC, contested for the party’s governorship ticket during the primary election. He, however, lost to Mr Nicholas Ukachukwu in the exercise that was reportedly controversial.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe APC, Mr Nicholas Ukachukwu, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were named as defendants in the suit.
The suit seeks to nullify Ukachukwu’s nomination and compel the party to recognise Ozigbo as the rightful candidate.
In a statement released on Friday, titled “For a Future Worth Fighting For,” Ozigbo criticised the 5 April primary, describing it as a “deeply flawed process.”
He said he took a “consequential step in fighting for truth and justice” by filing the suit to challenge the legitimacy of the primary election that produced Ukachukwu as the candidate of the APC for the 8 November 2025 governorship election.
“When institutions falter, it is the duty of conscience to rise. I have taken that stand—not for self, but for truth, for justice, and for Ndi Anambra,” Mr Ozigbo said.
The former PDP governorship candidate in the 2021 Anambra election said the 5 April exercise was not a primary election, but “a well-scripted illusion.”
According to him, “a contrived delegate list filled with names unfamiliar to even the most seasoned party leaders was used for the guber primary. Real APC members were locked out while chaos reigned.
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“No accreditation, no order; just thugs, violence, and a herd of hired hands masquerading as delegates.”
He further alleged that Mr Ukachukwu failed to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the APC constitution.
“The crux of the matter is that Mr Ukachukwu did not qualify to run under the APC in the first place. He failed to meet the minimum threshold for eligibility. And yet, the party machinery was twisted to serve his ambition,” Ozigbo added.
The originating summons asks the court to determine whether the APC violated its rules by allowing Ukachukwu’s candidacy.
He also berated Ukachukwu for his nonchalance over the crisis rocking the party’s state chapter following the primary.
“Now, Ukachukwu parades himself, declaring the theatre of deceit that 5 April represents as ‘free and fair.’ It is an insult to the intelligence of our people and a stain on the integrity of our party,” Ozigbo stated.
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“While he fiddles like Emperor Nero, APC in Anambra is burning. The house is on fire; mass resignations, lawsuits, broken trust, and the so-called candidate dances, oblivious to the smoke and embers.”
“To be clear, I am not desperate for power. I am not asking for favours. I seek only what is just, and what is right.”
The lawsuit, which was filed by his legal team led by Umeh Kalu, SAN, and B.C. Igwilo, SAN, has supporting records from the party’s delegate registrations, internal communications, and constitution.
Following the contentious primary, the Anambra APC has been rocked by a number of defections, a wave of resignations from ward executives, LGA and Ward chairmen, and other members.
Mr Ozigbo emphasised democratic accountability and integrity in party processes.
“Our aim is not to fracture the party but to fortify it; to restore its integrity, renew its credibility, and secure its future as a vehicle for true democratic leadership,” Ozigbo wrote.
“Let history record that when a corrupt process attempted to masquerade as legitimacy, we did not stay silent. We stood up. We spoke out. We acted for justice, for our children, and for the future we all deserve,” he added.
The Federal High Court in Awka is yet to assign a date for hearing.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
