The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Anambra State was marred by violence and allegations of manipulation on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Beautiful Gate Hotel in Awka. Reports indicate that thugs, allegedly loyal to aspirant Nicholas Ukachukwu and acting in concert with police officers, disrupted the delegate accreditation process. By mid-morning, Ukachukwu’s private security and suspected thugs had reportedly seized control of the hotel entrance, preventing accredited delegates without Ukachukwu’s campaign identification from entering.
Witnesses reported that only individuals carrying Ukachukwu-branded ID cards were permitted entry, while delegates supporting other aspirants were turned away, harassed, and in some cases, physically assaulted. One delegate was visibly rough-handled in the presence of security personnel. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the fairness and integrity of the primary.
Dr. Valentine Oliobi, the Anambra State Publicity Secretary of the APC, confirmed these events, stating that Ukachukwu’s supporters, with the cooperation of the police, were blocking delegates at the gate, which he deemed unacceptable. The Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Organisation also condemned the violence, accusing Ukachukwu of attempting to “hijack the primary” through intimidation. Campaign spokesperson Ephraim Adiele called for a level playing field and urged the APC leadership to intervene.
As of the time of this report, Nicholas Ukachukwu’s camp and the APC national leadership have not issued any public response. The unfolding chaos has cast a shadow over the primary process, which is crucial for the APC’s prospects in the upcoming November 2025 governorship election. Stakeholders are now demanding urgent intervention from the APC national leadership to ensure delegate safety and restore order to the accreditation and voting process.
