Protest erupts at Anambra government house over APGA primaries; supporters reject results.

On Friday, a large group of demonstrators entered the Anambra State Government House, also known as the Light House, in Awka. The protest was sparked by the results of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) primary election for the Anambra State House of Assembly.

Thousands of supporters from Oyi Local Government Area gathered at the government house with placards demanding that Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo intervene. They alleged that the primary election in the Oyi State Constituency was marred by blatant rigging.

The protesters claimed that the popular candidate, Innocent Ojike—also known as Ojicam—had won the primary. However, they were surprised when the party announced Mr. Kosisochukwu Ibemesi as the candidate to represent APGA in the upcoming state assembly election.

APGA held its primaries last Saturday, and the outcome has been contested by several groups and aspirants who say the process was manipulated in multiple constituencies. Those who emerged victorious, by contrast, have praised the process as transparent.

Uchenna Oraegbunam, the State Auditor of APGA and a leading figure among the protesters, said: “We are here for a peaceful protest to let our governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, know what happened in Oyi State Constituency last Saturday.”

He added: “We had a very peaceful protest and the elections were declared. Ojicam, Hon. Innocent Ojike, the current member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, was declared the winner. We were all confident that he would win because he is popular.”

Oraegbunam continued: “We were all surprised that when the party released the names of successful candidates, we saw the name of Mr. Kosisochukwu Ibemesi. This is a surprise to us, and we want anyone who said that Ibemesi won the election to come and prove it.”

He concluded: “It is highly embarrassing that this can happen in my constituency. I’m a stakeholder in this party and if such could happen anywhere, it should not be in my constituency.”

The demonstrators marched from the Anambra State House of Assembly, through Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, and ended at the Government House, where they changed protest songs to express their discontent.

Placards displayed slogans such as “Please bring back our popular candidate, Ojicam,” “Mr. Governor, do not let this happen in Oyi,” and “Our candidate for the election is Ojicam, he won the election,” among others.

Dr. Okechi Vincent Egbuna, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, addressed the protesters. He assured them that the governor would consider their request and that he strives to act justly and fairly. He also urged the demonstrators to document their demands in a letter and send copies to the governor, the party leadership, and the appeal panel, promising that their concerns would be addressed.