…In ANAMBRA Governorship Elections Since 2006
When Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the late Biafran leader and APGA’s “eternal leader,” passed away in 2011, many political watchers predicted the end of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as a serious force. Yet, nearly two decades since Peter Obi reclaimed his 2003 mandate through the courts, APGA has remained the party to beat in Anambra State.
From Peter Obi’s prudence to Willie Obiano’s grassroots mobilization and now Charles Soludo’s technocratic appeal, the cock symbol continues to crow loudest in Awka. No national party—whether PDP or APC—has managed to break APGA’s hold.
THE ELECTIONS THAT CEMENTED APGA’S DOMINANCE
2003 / 2006 Mandate Restored
Peter Obi of APGA challenged the declaration of Chris Ngige (PDP) as winner of the 2003 governorship election. After a three-year legal battle, Obi reclaimed his mandate in 2006.
This court victory made APGA a household name and a force to reckon with in Anambra politics.
2010
Peter Obi (APGA) was re-elected, defeating Chris Ngige (ACN), Charles Soludo (PDP), and Andy Uba (Labour). This consolidated APGA as Anambra’s “homegrown party.”
2013
Willie Obiano (APGA), Obi’s chosen successor, won against Tony Nwoye (PDP), Chris Ngige (APC), and Ifeany i Ubah (LP).
Ojukwu’s enduring legacy and Obi’s endorsement, no doubt, powered APGA to another victory.
2017
Willie Obiano (APGA) won re-election, defeating Tony Nwoye (APC) and Oseloka Obaze (PDP). He swept all 21 LGAs. This landslide proved APGA’s grassroots dominance.
2021
Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo (APGA) triumphed, defeating Valentine Ozigbo (PDP), Andy Uba (APC), and Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP). Soludo’s global credibility gave APGA a fresh intellectual face and strengthened the party’s winning formula.
WHY APGA KEEPS PREVAILING WHILE OPPOSITION KEEPS FAILING
(1) The Ojukwu Legacy Lives On
Ojukwu remains a revered symbol of Igbo pride. APGA, as his political home, still carries emotional weight. Every election, his memory is invoked, rallying support for the cock.
(2) A Truly Homegrown Party
While PDP and APC are perceived as “Abuja-driven,” APGA brands itself as Nke a bu nke anyi (This is our own). This sentiment resonates deeply with voters who prefer local autonomy.
(3) Grassroots Machinery
APGA’s ward-to-ward mobilization is unmatched. From town unions to traditional rulers’ influence, the party’s structures run deep into villages, ensuring consistent voter turnout.
(4) Opposition Fragmentation
PDP is weakened by internal crises and endless litigations. APC, despite federal power, struggles to gain acceptance in the Southeast. Labour Party and YPP perform better in legislative contests but lack the spread for governorship races.
(5) Zoning Strategy
Anambra rotates the governorship among its three senatorial districts. APGA has mastered this unwritten rule, fielding candidates from the right zones at the right time to secure broad support.
(6) Track Record of Governance
Peter Obi: Known for financial prudence and education reforms.
Willie Obiano: Remembered for infrastructure expansion and rural projects.
Charles Soludo: Presently driving reforms with a technocratic vision.
Together, their legacies reinforce voter trust in APGA’s consistency.
For nearly 20 years, no party has dethroned APGA in Anambra governorship elections. More than a political platform, APGA has become a movement rooted in identity, pride, and grassroots loyalty. Unless opposition parties fix their internal crises and connect genuinely with the people, APGA looks set to remain Anambra’s winning formula.
As Ojukwu once declared, “The struggle continues.” For APGA, that struggle has translated into victory after victory. In Anambra politics, the cock is still king.
-Jamiu Abubakar
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