Anambra 2025: Equity Group Pushes for APC or Alternative Party, Rejects APGA

 

A socio-political movement in Anambra State, the Anambra Equity Movement (A.N.E.M.), has launched a strategic campaign to rally voters behind a governorship candidate from any political party—except the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)—ahead of the November 8, 2025 elections.

The movement, led by its convener Hon. Tony Uche Ezekwelu, is advocating for a governance shift in the state, emphasizing the need for equity, balance, fairness, and inclusivity in leadership selection. Speaking after a crucial meeting, Ezekwelu stated that Anambra must explore governance under a different party, having already experienced leadership from both PDP and APGA since 1999.

A.N.E.M. has specifically urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone its governorship ticket to the Anambra South Senatorial Zone and further micro-zone it to the old Nnewi Division, comprising Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Local Government Areas.

Ezekwelu highlighted that since the return of democracy, the old Nnewi Division has never produced a governor, while other zones within Anambra South, such as Aguata and Ihiala, have had their turn.

A Call for Political and Religious Balance

The movement also emphasized the need for religious fairness, noting that Catholics have held the governorship for 23 uninterrupted years. In the spirit of inclusivity and fairness, A.N.E.M. is advocating for the next governor to emerge from non-Catholic Christian groups, particularly Anglicans and members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

The group’s resolutions declared:

"That Catholic Christians, having dominated the governorship for 23 uninterrupted years, should, in the interest of equity and fairness, allow the next governor to be from non-Catholic groups, especially Anglicans/PFN among other CAN blocs."

Furthermore, A.N.E.M. criticized the practice of fielding political "imports"—candidates with no grassroots connection—who, once in office, struggle to govern effectively.

Ezekwelu referenced policies under the current administration that alienated the populace, stating:

"Imagine being asked to go to the internet to apply for jobs, appointments, or contracts. Has that now made any positive difference at all?"

Rejecting APGA’s Continued Dominance

The movement strongly advocated against APGA continuing its hold on power, stating that Anambra has had 20 years of APGA rule and should now explore another party. They emphasized that, given its control of the federal government, the APC offers the most viable alternative.

A.N.E.M. stressed that political domination could lead to electoral violence and resentment, underscoring their commitment to ensuring a politically inclusive and fair process in 2025.

"All this is to save the state from potential political and electoral violence that could arise from sustained political domination and intimidation," the group stated.

Mobilization and Commitments

The movement has activated its state-wide structure, with Ezekwelu as convener and chairman, Comrade Engr. Anthony Aniebuo as general secretary, and Central Working Committee members, LG, and Ward executives spearheading the mobilization effort.

A.N.E.M. emphasized that its preferred candidate must personally assure the people of Anambra of inclusivity and must sign a pact guaranteeing that no group—religious, social, or ethnic—would be marginalized in governance.

With the 2025 elections fast approaching, the Anambra Equity Movement is determined to leave no stone unturned in achieving what it describes as a new era of governance, one that fosters unity, fairness, and true democratic representation.