PARALLAX SNAPS: Who Allegedly Rigged Anambra APGA Primaries That Made Obiogbolu, Others Cry?

By Tony Okafor

The controversy trailing the recently concluded primaries of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State has once again drawn attention to the challenges of internal democracy within political parties in Nigeria.

What was expected to be a routine democratic exercise has instead generated protests, petitions and expressions of dissatisfaction from some aspirants and party supporters.

Particularly notable is the reaction of Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, the immediate former Political Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and a respected stakeholder within the ruling party.

His public expression of concern over the conduct of the Anambra North senatorial primary has added significance to the debate surrounding the exercise.

Dr. Obiogbolu, in a statement issued after the primary, described the process as “fundamentally flawed” and raised concerns about compliance with party guidelines relating to accreditation, documentation and declaration of results.

Coming from a former government official and long-standing political actor, his remarks have naturally attracted public attention.

Beyond personal ambition, Obiogbolu maintained that his intervention was aimed at encouraging transparency and strengthening democratic culture within the party. His position reflects the broader expectation among party faithful that internal electoral processes should inspire confidence among participants and observers alike.

Similar concerns also emerged from Oyi State Constituency, where supporters of Hon. Innocent Ojike, popularly known as Ojicam, staged a peaceful protest over the outcome of the primary election. The protesters appealed to the party leadership and Governor Soludo to review the situation, insisting that their preferred aspirant enjoyed widespread support during the exercise.

Leading the protest was the State Auditor of APGA, Hon. Uchenna Oraegbunam, who expressed surprise over the eventual outcome announced by the party.

The protesters carried placards and called for what they described as fairness and transparency in the handling of the matter.

While those dissatisfied with the primaries continue to voice their grievances, other aspirants who emerged successful have praised the process as credible and transparent.

This divergence of opinions highlights the sensitive nature of party primaries and the importance of effective conflict-resolution mechanisms within political organisations.

APGA has, over the years, built a reputation as a party closely associated with grassroots participation and progressive ideals in Anambra State. For that reason, the concerns raised by some members deserve careful attention, not necessarily as proof of wrongdoing, but as an opportunity for introspection and institutional strengthening.

Political parties remain central to democratic governance. The credibility of their internal processes often shapes public confidence in the wider electoral system. Where disagreements arise, transparent engagement and adherence to established procedures become essential for maintaining unity and trust.

Governor Soludo and the leadership of APGA therefore face the important task of reassuring party members that every complaint will receive fair consideration through the party’s internal dispute-resolution channels. Doing so would help preserve confidence in the party and strengthen its democratic culture ahead of future elections.

Ultimately, the debate surrounding the APGA primaries goes beyond individual aspirants. It speaks to the continuing national conversation about transparency, fairness and accountability in Nigeria’s political process.

As stakeholders await the party’s official response, many observers will hope that the issues raised become an opportunity for reform rather than division.

Ubi jus ibi remedium — Where there is a right, there is a remedy.