ONITSHA, Nigeria – In a spirited gathering marked by bold declarations and calls for unity, Valentine Ozigbo, a respected Nigerian business leader and a frontrunner in the race for the Anambra State governorship, addressed All Progressives Congress, APC, stakeholders and party faithful on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the All Saints Cathedral Hall in Onitsha during the second in a series of Special Engagement Townhall Meetings.
The event, attended by state executives, local government party executives, ward leaders, and grassroots mobilizers from across Anambra North Senatorial District, is part of Ozigbo’s intensified consultation efforts as he seeks to clinch the APC ticket ahead of the November 2025 governorship election.
In his address, Mr Ozigbo, urged party stakeholders to make strategic choices in the coming primaries, stressing that APC’s chances of defeating the incumbent, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, would depend on the calibre of candidate the party puts forward.
“This is not a time for experiments or sentiments. This is a time for strategy. If APC wants to win, we must present a candidate who has the trust of Ndi Anambra, across all parties and communities. That candidate is me,” Mr Ozigbo declared, drawing cheers from the packed hall.
The immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, who joined APC earlier this year, reiterated his commitment to responsible and people-centred leadership, stating that the forthcoming election would be a referendum on governance in Anambra State.
“Our opponents will throw money, power, and propaganda at this election—but what they cannot buy is the will of Ndi Anambra who are tired of empty promises and are ready for real leadership,” he said.
Beyond Partisan Politics
Ozigbo, who came second in the 2021 governorship election and has built a strong cross-party following through his Valiant Movement, emphasised that his campaign is about the future of Anambra.
“This mission is not about the APC alone; it is about Ndi Anambra. It is about reclaiming our dignity, restoring our economy, and building a state where our children can dream without fear,” he told the crowd.
He positioned himself as a unifier and a candidate-driven by service, not personal ambition.
“The difference between us and them is simple—I am not running to rule; I am running to serve. I am not here to divide; I am here to unite. And with your support, we will turn the page of history in November,” he said.
A Call For Change
Throughout the engagement, Mr Ozigbo called on APC members to look beyond internal divisions and unite around a credible candidate capable of mobilising grassroots support and appealing to the wider electorate.
“Everywhere I go, I see the hunger for change, the yearning for responsible leadership. I see it in the faces of our market women, our youths, our elders. That is why I will not rest until we deliver that change together,” he concluded.
The town hall event follows a similar engagement with stakeholders in Anambra South earlier in the week, as Ozigbo intensifies his campaign ahead of the party primaries.
Ozigbo’s campaign continues to gather momentum as political observers note the growing support he commands across party lines and within the APC structure, positioning him as a leading contender in the race to unseat Governor Soludo.
Creme-de-la-Creme Guest List
Some of the notable APC leaders at the event were, Chief Mrs. Callista Nwachukwu, the State APC Treasurer; Mrs. Rita Echedom, the State APC Deputy State Woman Leader; Hon. Ekene Okafor, the APC State Welfare; Hon. Joseph Ezenwa Ekwuaju, the Anambra North Zonal Chairman; Hon. Pat Onyia, the Anambra North Zonal Woman Leader; Hon. Nwakaibie Okagbue, the Anambra North Zonal Youth Leader; Hon. Ezennia Chukka Ojekwe, the APC Onitsha North LG Chairman, and all the othe 6 APC LG Chairmen of Anambra North Senatorial Zone.
Several top dignitaries also attended the event, including Hon. Cyril Egwuatu, a former member of the House of Representative; Chief Chidi Ogbaji, Chairman of VCO Advisory Council; Chief Dr Tony Offiah, a member of the VCO Advisory Council; Chief Chike Nwaiwu, a member of the VCO Advisory Council; Barr Cosmas Anyabolu, Mrs Wendy Atikpoh, Women Leader of The Valiant Movement; Ike Bishop Okoronkwo, National Co-ordinator of the Valiant Movement; and Hon. Justin Kingland, Convener, Anambra Needs Val Ozigbo and Anambra South Central Leader for the Valiant Movement; among others.
Others include, Dr. Deka Ezeadili, Anambra North Co-ordinator of the Valiant Movement, Sir Afam Okpalauzuegbu, Chief Nwanwuna Obi, Bartholomew Obagha, Mr Joe Uzoh, and Mrs. Nonye Ndunechi.
