AWKA, Nigeria — Valentine Ozigbo, a respected business leader and a 2021 Anambra governorship candidate, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling political party.
His defection marks a significant shift in Anambra’s political landscape as he moves from the Labour Party to the APC, reaffirming his commitment to a “brighter and better Anambra State.”
Formal Registration and Warm Reception
The Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Organisation confirmed his defection in a statement to The Trent, revealing that the move was formalised on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Ozigbo registered as an APC member at his Amesi Ward in Aguata Local Government Area, where party executives and stakeholders warmly welcomed him at the ward and local government levels.
“The Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Organisation wishes to officially announce that Valentine Ozigbo, a distinguished business leader, philanthropist, and visionary politician, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), Africa’s biggest political party,” the statement read.
During his engagement with party leaders, Ozigbo outlined his “grand vision” for Anambra, highlighting his dedication to transformational leadership, economic growth, and governance focused on the people.
“Mr Ozigbo’s decision to join the APC is driven by his deep-rooted belief in progressive governance, his desire to work alongside forward-thinking leaders, and his determination to champion policies that will uplift the people of Anambra and Nigeria at large,” the statement added.
Political Leaders Laud Ozigbo’s Move
Ozigbo’s entry into the APC was met with enthusiasm from party stakeholders.
The Amesi Ward Chairman of the APC, Mr. Chidi Johnpaul Muokwe, described him as “the light in the darkness that Anambra earnestly needs.”
Similarly, Chief Godson C. Anyadike, speaking on behalf of the party executives in Aguata LGA, expressed excitement over Ozigbo’s defection.
“In the history of APC in Aguata, no new member has ever come with this type of grace and excitement,” he remarked, pledging full cooperation and support for Ozigbo in the coming months.
Several APC leaders, including Ogbatuluenyi Amesi, Euzebius Ezeliora, Later Rain Chukwuma Ezenwankwo, and Nkechi Abanobi, also commended Ozigbo’s personality and leadership qualities.
In a notable political shift, Chief D Tony Offiah, a chieftain of the Labour Party, and Chief Sir Afam Okpalauzuegbu, the Secretary of the Labour Party in Aguata LGA, immediately followed Ozigbo in defecting to the APC, signalling broader realignments in the state’s political dynamics.
A New Political Path for Ozigbo
Ozigbo, the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, first entered the political scene in 2020 after resigning from his corporate role.
His gubernatorial campaign in 2021 galvanised widespread grassroots support in Anambra, making him a formidable contender as he secured second place behind Professor Charles Soludo who was making his fourth attempt at the governorship.
He formally resigned from the Labour Party on Wednesday before his APC registration.
While speaking on his next steps, Ozigbo stated that he would issue a formal statement after meeting with the national leadership of the APC in the coming days.
His defection signals a strategic political move, with expectations that he will play a crucial role in APC’s efforts to expand its influence in Anambra ahead of future elections.
As the state watches this unfolding development, Ozigbo’s next moves within the APC will be closely followed.
