By Our Correspondent
Tension is mounting within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra South Senatorial District as Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has directed the six senatorial aspirants of the party to meet in a private “conclave” and select a consensus candidate ahead of the August 16 primary election.
Sources within the party said the move is aimed at curbing excessive campaign spending, fostering internal unity, and avoiding post-primary litigations that usually trail fiercely contested nominations.
Governor Soludo reportedly gave the aspirants three options: agree on a consensus candidate among themselves; empower him to select one of them; or proceed to a full-blown primary election. The directive has stirred unease, with critics claiming the options undermine democratic principles and sideline party delegates.
The six APGA aspirants are Ebuka Onunkwo, Pascal Agbodike, Patrick Ubajiaka, Chris Azubogu, Emma Nwachukwu, and Akai Egwuonwu.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Ekwulobia, Aguata LGA, Soludo justified his directive, warning against the monetization of the primary. He urged the aspirants to settle on one candidate, or authorize him to decide on their behalf. “Whoever emerges must be accepted by all. Anyone who can’t accept this process is free to leave and meet us on election day. APGA will win this bye-election,” he said.
State APGA Chairman, Barr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, clarified that the governor’s position was advisory, not mandatory. “It’s a suggestion to help us avoid the logistics and tensions of a primary. If it fails, we’re fully prepared to conduct a credible, transparent primary,” he said.
Despite reassurances, party insiders express doubt that the aspirants will reach a consensus. A local government chairman who spoke anonymously said, “It won’t work. None of them is willing to step down. They all want to test their popularity—and that’s democracy.”
He warned, however, that if consensus fails and Soludo selects a candidate, dissenters could face party sanctions.
With the August 16 deadline approaching, APGA in Anambra South faces a critical test—balancing consensus with competition and measuring how far Governor Soludo’s influence will shape the party’s future.
