By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The local government primary elections of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State on Sunday produced a major upset, as five serving local government chairmen—long regarded as untouchable—failed to secure the party’s tickets ahead of the council elections slated for August.
Those affected are Emeka Joseph Orji (Onitsha South), Amaka Obi (Idemili South), Chinueze Ofobike (Aguata), John Ibekwe (Anaocha), and the Ekwusigo chairman. All had previously served two terms as Transition Committee chairmen and later as elected council heads.
They were replaced by Ifeanyi Kingsley Onuchukwu (Ekwusigo), Ezeagu Kingsley Okwey (Aguata), Iloegbunam Obichukwu (Idemili South), Moufonanya Peter Paulson Ikechukwu (Onitsha South), and Paulinus Nnamdi Okafor (Anaocha).
While the reasons for dropping the perceived favourites remain unclear, a party source said the former chairmen may be lined up for higher appointments following the expected inauguration of Charles Soludo for a second term.
Reacting, APGA National Publicity Secretary Ejimofor Opara dismissed claims that the chairmen were “untouchable,” stressing that the outcome was not punitive.
“They have proved their mettle in public service,” he said. “This decision is about injecting fresh blood and new energy into local government administration, not about capacity or punishment.”
Opara praised the outgoing chairmen for their achievements over roughly four years—from transition to elected leadership—adding that the party remains satisfied with their performance.
There are strong indications that some of the affected chairmen may soon be appointed into the Anambra State executive in various capacities.
