The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has presented certificates of return and electoral nomination documents to 44 candidates who emerged from its primary elections ahead of the forthcoming National and State Assembly elections in Anambra State.
The beneficiaries comprise three senatorial candidates, 11 House of Representatives candidates and 30 contenders for seats in the Anambra State House of Assembly. The presentation took place at the party’s regional headquarters in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
APGA National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, said the party had completed its nomination process ahead of the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), positioning APGA among the first parties expected to submit candidates’ lists for the elections.
According to Opara, all candidates received Form EC9 for the submission of personal particulars, while senatorial candidates were issued Form EC13C, House of Representatives candidates received Form EC13D and State Assembly candidates were given Form EC13E.
Among those presented with certificates of return were former Senator Stella Oduah for Anambra North Senatorial District, Emmanuel Nwachukwu for Anambra South and Dozie Nwankwo for Anambra Central. Several House of Representatives and State Assembly candidates also received their certificates during the event.
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Opara defended APGA’s adoption of an Option A4-style primary election system, saying the process had strengthened internal democracy by allowing greater participation of party members in candidate selection and reducing the influence of a small group of political stakeholders.
He acknowledged that no electoral process is without challenges but described the primaries as largely successful, noting that the party had maintained unity among aspirants and stakeholders following the exercise.
The APGA spokesman also expressed confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, arguing that its candidates possess the experience and political strength required to compete effectively across Anambra State.
He added that any future candidate substitutions, if necessary, would be handled in line with electoral regulations.
Addressing APGA’s relationship with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Opara dismissed suggestions that the party’s cooperation with President Bola Tinubu’s administration could undermine its political identity.
He said APGA has a longstanding tradition of supporting governments at the federal level when such cooperation aligns with the interests of its supporters.
Speaking after receiving their certificates, Anambra Central senatorial candidate Dozie Nwankwo and House of Representatives candidate for Ihiala Federal Constituency Paschal Agbodike pledged to prioritise security, good governance and economic development if elected.
