By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Awka
The battle for the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket in Anambra State has taken a dramatic turn, as the party’s primary election is now marred by a growing controversy over conflicting delegate lists. The ongoing dispute has created confusion and uncertainty, just days before the primary election scheduled for Saturday.
A tense political atmosphere now surrounds the APC, as three aspirants—Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, and Chief John Bosco Onunkwo—each appear to have their own version of the delegate list. The first list, which initially circulated, seemingly favored Ukachukwu. However, a second list emerged supporting Okonkwo, followed by a third list backing Onunkwo. The conflicting documents have fueled accusations of manipulation, with each aspirant and their supporters scrambling to assert the legitimacy of their chosen delegates.
Amid the chaos, other prominent figures in the race are making their voices heard. Sir Paul Chukwuma, one of the leading contenders, resigned from the party on Friday, citing what he described as “the deliberate alteration” of the delegate list. Similarly, Hon. Chuma Umeoji, another key aspirant, withdrew from the race, accusing the party leadership of doctoring the list in favor of certain candidates.
In the middle of this unfolding drama, former Labour Party aspirant Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, who recently joined APC and is still in the race, has maintained a low profile, avoiding comment on the situation, and has been difficult to reach.
The confusion has been further exacerbated by the silence of the Bassey Otu-led Primary Election Committee, with members failing to address the growing concerns surrounding the delegate lists. To make matters worse, the state APC chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, has been conspicuously absent, with no word on his whereabouts or involvement in resolving the crisis.
As the primary election draws near, the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, the designated venue for the primaries, remains a hotbed of activity. Delegates, unsure of whether their names appear on the final list, loiter around the entrance, with heavy security deployed to maintain order. Party members are anxiously awaiting clarification, while the dispute over the authenticity of the delegate lists continues to cast a long shadow over the APC’s chances in the upcoming election.
With the situation still unresolved, all eyes are now on the party’s leadership to find a swift and fair resolution to the crisis—before the party’s gubernatorial primaries descend into further disarray.