By Our Correspondent
The Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has dropped five serving “sacred cow” mayors from its list of candidates ahead of the forthcoming local government area (LGA) elections.
The decision has unsettled the party’s local political structure, as the affected mayors were widely regarded as close allies of Governor Charles Soludo and were believed to be politically untouchable.
An investigation by our correspondent indicates that the displaced mayors are among those who had previously served two terms as Transition Committee chairmen before emerging as elected mayors under the APGA administration. Their long-standing presence in local governance had reinforced perceptions of political permanence.
The affected officials are Chief Emeka Joseph Orji (Onitsha South), Iyom Amaka Obi (Idemili South), Dr Chinueze Ofobike (Aguata), Chief John Ibekwe (Anaocha), and the mayor of Ekwusigo Local Government Area.
They have been replaced by Ifeanyi Kingsley Onuchukwu (Ekwusigo), Ezeagu Kingsley Okwey (Aguata), Iloegbunam Obichukwu (Idemili South), Moufonanya Peter Paulson Ikechukwu (Onitsha South), and Paulinus Nnamdi Okafor (Anaocha).
Although the party has not officially stated the reasons for dropping the incumbents at the primaries, a source close to the leadership disclosed that the move is part of a broader political strategy. According to the source, the former mayors are being positioned for higher appointments following the anticipated inauguration of Governor Soludo’s second term.
When contacted, APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, dismissed suggestions that the affected officials were untouchable or that their exclusion was punitive.
“They are not untouchables. They have demonstrated capacity and delivered on their mandates. This decision has nothing to do with competence. Rather, it reflects the need to allow others the opportunity to serve,” Opara said.
He further explained that the party seeks to revitalise grassroots administration by introducing new leadership.
“In local government administration, there is a need to inject fresh energy and new ideas into the system to enhance performance. We salute their achievements during their tenure, from their time as Transition Committee chairmen to their service as elected mayors over the past four years,” he added.
However, findings by Insideoutnews suggest that the five mayors remain integral to APGA’s broader political calculations. Party insiders indicate they are being considered for strategic appointments within the Anambra State Executive Council and other key positions once the governor begins his second term.
The development underscores evolving power dynamics within APGA, as the party balances continuity with renewal ahead of the local government elections.
