Gunpowder Politics: Tension Erupts in Awka as APC Anambra Primary Derailed by Violence, Alleged Collusion

 

AWKA, Nigeria – What began as a crucial political exercise on Saturday morning in Anambra State took a dark turn as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary devolved into chaos, marred by thuggery, intimidation, and what eyewitnesses described as alarming complicity from law enforcement.

By 10:37 a.m. on April 5, 2025, the Beautiful Gate Hotel in Awka—designated as the accreditation venue for the primary election—had become a theatre of confrontation. Allegations quickly surfaced that private security personnel and thugs loyal to aspirant Nicholas Ukachukwu had effectively seized control of the hotel entrance, screening and turning away accredited delegates who did not possess identification issued by Ukachukwu’s campaign.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of disorder and brutality. Delegates loyal to rival aspirants reported being harassed and, in several disturbing instances, physically assaulted as they attempted to access the venue. A male delegate was visibly manhandled in front of other attendees, with police officers reportedly observing without intervening.

“This goes beyond political strong-arming,” said one observer who spoke under anonymity due to security concerns. “What we witnessed today looks like state-backed sabotage. The silence of the police is deafening.”

The unfolding events have cast a pall over the integrity of the APC's primary process in Anambra, a state where the party is eager to wrestle political dominance ahead of the crucial November 2025 governorship election.

While many delegates abandoned the venue in frustration, murmurs of disenfranchisement and betrayal echoed through the crowd, heightening tensions and raising serious doubts about whether the primary could proceed under such a volatile atmosphere.

Dr. Valentine Oliobi, the Anambra State Publicity Secretary of the APC, confirmed the reports with a tone of disbelief. “Yes, it is true. Delegates are being blocked at the gate by Nicholas Ukachukwu’s people, and the police are cooperating with them. This is not what the APC stands for.”

The Valentine Ozigbo Campaign Organisation wasted no time in issuing a sharp condemnation. Speaking on behalf of the aspirant, campaign spokesperson Ephraim Adiele described the events as a “calculated attempt to hijack the primary process” and called on party leaders to act swiftly.

“We reject the politics of violence and call for a level playing field,” Adiele said. “Clearly, Nicholas Ukachukwu is seeking to hijack the primary. It cannot stand. The leadership of the All Progressives Congress must act now to prevent a total collapse of the process.”

Despite the uproar, neither Ukachukwu nor his campaign has issued a public response to the serious allegations as of press time. Equally notable is the continued silence from the national leadership of the APC, whose intervention is now being urgently demanded by party stakeholders.

Political analysts say the events in Awka could have wider implications for the APC’s internal democracy and its image ahead of the general election season. With rival party PDP already postponing its own primary to April 8, observers believe the APC’s handling of this crisis could set the tone for Anambra’s political climate in the coming months.

As tension lingers and disillusionment grows among aggrieved delegates, one thing remains clear: the credibility of the APC primary in Anambra now hangs by a thread—and swift action is the only hope of salvaging it.