Soludo Declares APGA’s Dominance In Anambra, Labels LP And ADC ‘Nomadic Politicians’.
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has proclaimed the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as the unrivalled political force in the state following a sweeping victory in Saturday’s by-elections. Speaking at a celebratory rally in Nanka on Sunday, Soludo dismissed the Labour Party (LP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) as politically irrelevant, branding their members “nomadic politicians” who shift allegiances with each election cycle.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared APGA’s Emmanuel Nwachukwu the winner of the Anambra South Senatorial District by-election, securing 90,408 votes. He defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Azuka Okwuosa, who polled 19,847 votes, and ADC’s Donald Amamgbo, who managed just 2,889 votes. Nwachukwu will replace the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed away in July 2024. In a parallel triumph, APGA’s Ifeoma Azikiwe was victorious in the Onitsha North Constituency 1 State House of Assembly by-election, further cementing the party’s grip on the state.
Soludo, addressing a jubilant crowd of APGA supporters adorned with the party’s iconic cock logo, emphasised that the results reflected the will of Anambra’s people. He noted that the opposition, including prominent figures like former LP presidential candidate Peter Obi, had rallied behind ADC candidates in a bid to challenge APGA’s dominance. “ADC does not exist in Anambra. We showed it on Saturday. Labour Party is dead,” Soludo declared, highlighting that APGA secured over 75% of the votes. He described the by-elections as a test case for the opposition’s coalition, which he claimed was resoundingly rejected by voters.
The governor took particular aim at Obi, pointing out that APGA’s victory in Onitsha North, Obi’s home constituency, was a significant blow to the opposition’s aspirations. “They came with an allied force—senators, House of Representatives members—but the people of Anambra spoke,” Soludo said, underscoring the electorate’s preference for APGA. He further alleged that opposition agents attempted to rig the election with pre-thumb-printed ballot papers, an effort he claimed was thwarted, reinforcing APGA’s mandate.
Soludo’s remarks come amid heightened political tension, with the ADC candidate, Donald Amamgbo, accusing the governor and INEC of colluding to disenfranchise voters. Amamgbo described the by-election as a “carefully orchestrated charade” and alleged irregularities, including the circulation of a doctored list of polling agents in Ihiala. Despite these claims, Soludo maintained that the results were a clear endorsement of APGA’s governance and a rejection of what he termed “nomadic” political strategies.
Looking ahead to the November 2025 governorship election, Soludo expressed confidence in APGA’s continued dominance, dismissing his rivals as opportunists seeking appointments rather than genuine leadership. “Election period is business for some people. After the election, they’ll write ‘former governorship candidate’ on their cards and beg for appointments,” he quipped. The governor also highlighted his administration’s achievements, including advancements in security and economic policies, urging traders to keep markets open on Mondays to defy separatist sit-at-home orders.
The by-elections, conducted across 16 constituencies nationwide, saw the ruling APC dominate with 12 victories, while APGA secured two seats and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) held one. The LP and ADC failed to win any constituencies, underscoring Soludo’s assertion of their diminished influence in Anambra. As the 2027 general election looms, the results signal a challenging road ahead for opposition parties in the state, with APGA firmly positioned as the people’s choice.