Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2025 Anambra State governorship election, following a tense and disorderly primary held in Awka on Saturday.
Ukachukwu secured the party’s ticket with 1,455 votes, defeating his closest rival, Valentine Ozigbo, who polled 67 votes.
Other aspirants in the race included Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo and Hon. Edozie Madu.
The primary was fraught with confusion and controversy, as accreditation, originally scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., was still ongoing as late as 7 p.m. Reports indicated that delegates were being accredited at undisclosed locations around Awka, while many party members and supporters waited in vain at the official venue, the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, where proceedings had yet to begin by 6:30 p.m.
Earlier in the day, violence broke out when suspected thugs, allegedly hired by one of the aspirants, attacked delegates, injuring several people in the presence of security personnel.
The unrest led to the withdrawal of three aspirants—Sir Paul Chukwuma, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, and Chief Chukwuma Umeoji.
Chukwuma also announced his resignation from the APC, citing the dominance of what he described as “unprogressive elements” within the party.
Okonkwo expressed concern for the safety of his supporters, stating in his withdrawal letter that his decision was difficult but necessary due to developments that conflicted with his principles and values.
Despite the turbulent circumstances, Ukachukwu expressed confidence in delivering victory for the APC in the upcoming election.
“Nobody has won the governorship of Anambra without my support; it has never happened before.
I have been playing godfatherism, but now I want to be the father of the father—no more godfather,” he declared after his victory was announced.
The Anambra governorship election is scheduled for November 2025.
The incumbent, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, is expected to seek re-election under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).