BY BETI ONU
AHEAD of the August 26, 2026, local government elections in Anambra State, at least 15 serving local government chairmen may be dropped as candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
It was earlier gathered that the 21 local government chairmen were promised automatic party tickets if they successfully delivered Governor Charles Soludo in the last gubernatorial election in the state.
This development, however, has not gone down well with some party aspirants ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.
Already, no fewer than 87 individuals have indicated interest in contesting the party’s tickets, and there has been sustained lobbying by these aspirants among party leaders to be considered.
A source close to the party leadership confirmed that the 15 serving chairmen affected cut across the three senatorial districts of Anambra State.
According to the source, some may be dropped on grounds of poor performance, while others may be excluded due to zoning arrangements in their respective local government areas.
“In Anambra South Senatorial District, only three serving chairmen may be returned,” the source disclosed. In Anambra Central, one of the serving chairmen may be appointed Commissioner for Women Affairs in an anticipated major cabinet reshuffle by Governor Charles Soludo.”
The source further held that five serving chairmen may not return to their positions due to alleged unresolved issues with party stakeholders in their localities.
“For those in Anambra North Senatorial District, there are pressures on the governor and the party leadership to drop most of the serving chairmen, except the chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, for obvious reasons,” the source added.
When contacted, the state chairman of the party, Barr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, described the report as mere political rumours, adding that it was too early to speculate on who would emerge as the party’s candidates.
“I see it as mere rumours, but I also understand that this is part of politics. It is expected that there will be lobbying and pressure on party chieftains by aspirants.”
“I have not been approached directly by anyone, but I have received phone calls from some party faithful who expressed interest in contesting,” Obi-Okoye added.
He explained that the party has already laid down clear guidelines for the conduct of its primary elections, in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution.
“As a party, we have a constitution and well-defined guidelines for primary elections. The process begins with the indication of interest, followed by screening, the establishment of a committee to handle claims and objections, and then the primaries proper. This comes after the final publication of the list of cleared aspirants,” he said.
