The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, has concluded its primary elections across the state’s 21 local government areas (LGAs), replacing more than half of its incumbent council chairmen ahead of local elections scheduled for August 29, 2026.
A final list of candidates released on Sunday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, confirmed that 10 incumbent chairmen secured renomination, while 11 were denied the party’s ticket.
Among those dropped are Emeka Orji (Onitsha South), Amaka Obi (Idemili South), Dr. Chinueze Ofobike (Aguata), Chief John Ibekwe (Anaocha), James Obi (Ekwusigo), C. Ononiba (Njikoka), Alphonsus Ofumelu (Ayamelum), Nweze Nworah (Onitsha North), Emma Nweke (Oyi), Sir Kenneth Akwuobi (Ogbaru), and Fidelis Nnazor (Anambra West).
Several of the affected officials had previously served two terms as Transition Committee Chairmen before being elected under APGA, giving them extensive experience in local administration.
They have been replaced by a new slate of candidates: Ifeanyi Onuchukwu (Ekwusigo), Ezeagu Okwey (Aguata), Iloegbunam Obichukwu (Idemili South), Moufonanya Ikechukwu (Onitsha South), Paulinus Okafor (Anaocha), Ikechukwu Okakpu (Njikoka), Mgbechi Igwebuike (Ayamelum), Ibekwe Chukwuemelie (Onitsha North), Igbem Elochukwu (Oyi), Nnamdi Ifejika (Ogbaru), and Tony Obierika (Anambra West).
The shake-up has generated mixed reactions across the state.
Some of the outgoing chairmen were widely regarded as close allies of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, leading to speculation that their positions within the party were secure.
Critics have suggested that the decision may have been punitive or performance-related.
However, APGA has denied such claims. Speaking on the development, Opara dismissed suggestions that the affected officials were “untouchable” or that their exclusion was a sanction.
“They are not untouchables. They have demonstrated capacity and delivered on their mandates. This decision has nothing to do with competence, rather, it reflects the need to allow others the opportunity to serve. The party seeks to revitalise grassroots administration by introducing new leadership.”
He added that the party acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing chairmen, both during their tenure as Transition Committee heads and over the past four years as elected officials.
The outcome highlights shifting internal dynamics within APGA as it balances continuity with political renewal at the grassroots level.
The 2026 local government elections are being organised by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), which has pledged to conduct a free, fair and credible poll across all 21 LGAs.
According to the commission’s timetable, party primaries were scheduled to run from December 18, 2025, to February 16, 2026, with the main election set for August 29, 2026.
As of the time of reporting, APGA is the only major party to have concluded its primaries.
Addressing leaders of political parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Awka, ANSIEC Chairman, Genevieve Osakwe, said the primaries would be closely monitored to ensure compliance with the law.
She noted that the commission had earlier issued a notice of election on September 3, 2025, in line with Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2022 and the Anambra State Electoral Law 2024.