…APGA remains the only party to have concluded its primaries.
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State on Sunday concluded its primary elections across the 21 local government areas ahead of the council polls scheduled for August 29, 2026.
According to the final list signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, 10 incumbent chairmen secured the party’s ticket, while 11 others were denied renomination. Those dropped include the chairmen of Onitsha South, Idemili South, Aguata, Anaocha, Ekwusigo, Njikoka, Ayamelum, Onitsha North, Oyi, Ogbaru and Anambra West LGAs.
The affected officials were said to have previously served two terms as Transition Committee Chairmen before becoming elected chairmen under APGA. They have now been replaced by new flag bearers across the affected councils.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions statewide, particularly as some of the dropped chairmen are perceived to be close allies of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and were widely considered politically secure. While some observers interpret the move as punitive or performance-related, the party has not officially cited any wrongdoing.
Responding to the speculation, Opara dismissed claims that the exclusion was punitive or that the chairmen were “untouchable,” stressing that the move was part of a broader strategy to inject fresh ideas and energy into grassroots governance while appreciating their past contributions.
The development highlights shifting political calculations within APGA as it prepares for the local government elections.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) had earlier released the timetable for the 2026 polls, fixing party primaries between December 18, 2025, and February 16, 2026, with the main election slated for August 29, 2026. As of February 15, APGA remains the only party to have concluded its primaries.
