Anambra APGA primary protest erupts as supporters storm Government House over disputed Oyi constituency result and demand intervention
Protesters under the banner of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, on Friday stormed the Anambra State Government House, also known as Light House, Awka, in a dramatic demonstration over the disputed outcome of the party’s Oyi State Constituency primary election.
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Thousands of party members and supporters from Oyi Local Government Area converged on the Government House, carrying placards and demanding the intervention of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, over what they described as a “brazen rigging” of the exercise.
The protest, which escalated into a significant Anambra APGA primary protest, followed allegations that the party altered the outcome of the primary election held last Saturday.
According to the demonstrators, Innocent Ojike, popularly known as Ojicam and the sitting member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, was the rightful winner of the primary.
They, however, expressed shock after Mr Kosisochukwu Ibemesi was announced as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming State House of Assembly election.
Leading the protesters, APGA State Auditor Uchenna Oraegbunam insisted that the exercise in Oyi Constituency was initially conducted peacefully, claiming that results had already indicated Ojike as the winner before the final list was released.
Oraegbunam described the development as unacceptable and called for a transparent review of the process, challenging party officials to justify the declaration of Ibemesi as the candidate.
The protesters marched through key locations in Awka, including the Anambra State House of Assembly and Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, before arriving at the Government House, where they expressed their grievances through songs and chants.
Placards carried by the demonstrators read messages such as “Bring back our popular candidate, Ojicam” and “Our candidate won the election,” reflecting growing anger within the constituency over the disputed outcome.
In response, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Okechi Vincent Egbuna, addressed the protesters and assured them that Governor Soludo would review their concerns.
He urged them to submit formal petitions to the government, the party leadership, and relevant appeal panels for proper consideration.
He further emphasised the administration’s commitment to fairness and due process, urging calm as investigations into the matter continue.
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The development has heightened political tension within APGA in Anambra State, with calls mounting for a clear resolution of the disputed primary election.
