Victor EzejaValentine Ozigbo, an All Progressives Congress (APC), governorship aspirant in Anambra State, has stated that he joined the party with a mindset to create a positive change both in the state and at national level.
Ozigbo said he perceives politics as an opportunity to render selfless service to the public and therefore sees himself as a catalyst to create a positive change.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelOzigbo, who left the Labour Party in February, said he did that after a careful consideration of the party’s trajectory following the 2023 general election and current leadership crisis rocking it both at national and state level.
He highlighted the roles he played in the Labour Party after joining in 2023, including contributing to fundraising, mobilization, technology, and institution-building, “but after the election, the situation was disheartening.”
According to him, the party was engulfed in internal strife and lacked the leadership necessary for the reforms that were needed to move it forward.
Speaking in an interview with media on Tuesday in Lagos, Ozigbo said he saw that with what was happening, there was no future for the party, and that anyone with ambition for election into public offices had no hope.
READ ALSO: Anambra 2025: Ozigbo Joins APC After Leaving Labour Party
At the state level, he said the there was some form of internal sabotage to ensure that he did not emerge as a candidate even when he was the popular choice as an alternative to Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
Ozigbo dismissed permutations that he left the Labour Party for personal gain or to seek political appointments, emphasizing that his decision was driven by a desire to build a better Anambra and a stronger Nigeria.
He explained that his decision to join the APC was based on his conviction that it was the most viable alternative despite all the negative perceptions about the party, as, according to him, the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were practically dead.
“Winning this election wouldn’t be an issue but defending it. The only party that I thought would have helped us to achieve that in Anambra is APC despite the negative impression others may have had about the party,” Ozigbo stated.
Ozigbo, who first contested the governorship position during the 2021 election on the platform of the PDP said he faced a couple of challenges starting with winning the party ticket, but managed to take the second position.
He said the feat he achieved during the 2021 election- beating older people with more experience in politics who were aspirants in PDP to emerge as candidate, and taking second second position in the poll- was because he approached politics with honesty, and sincerity.
According to Ozigbo, his performance in the 2021 election and the prevailing realities in the political landscape of the state led to a feeling among the people that he is the best alternative to Soludo in the 2025 election.
He alleged that Soludo took every step to ensure that he didn’t emerge as a candidate in any political party so that the governor would have a smooth sail to victory in the November polls.
He accused Soludo of sponsoring the APC candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, to weaken the party and coast to victory during the election in November.
APGA has, however, denied the allegation which Ozigbo earlier made in a televised interview.
On his current alliance with the APC, the former governorship candidate said he is focused on continuing with his mission of delivering genuine leadership and development.
“No political party in Nigeria is perfect, but we must choose whether to complain from the sidelines or step in to make it better. I chose the latter,” he stated.
“I have gone in there and I am saying to them ‘things cannot continue to remain the way they are’, especially in Anambra.”
On the APC gubernatorial primary held on 5 April 2025 in which Nicholas Ukachukwu reportedly won, Ozigbo said it was a charade, adding that he is already challenging it in court.
He said his decision to file the lawsuit was to challenge the impunity that occurred during the exercise, adding that it is a moral burden on him to keep over what happened and walk away.
Speaking on his relationship with Mr. Peter Obi, Ozigbo clarified that it is cordial, adding that they currently have different objectives.
“Peter Obi is not my godfather. I respect him, but I am my own man. My path is about delivering results, not seeking validation.”
He called for the entrenchment of a political leadership system that prioritises merit, accountability, and inclusivity, adding that leaders should be willing to make selfless sacrifices for the general good of the people.
“We must not leave politics to those who care little for the common good.
“Let’s be ready to sacrifice, if necessary, to make real change. It’s not just about elections; it’s about building a system where the son of nobody can become somebody,” he stated.
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.
