Ikemba Front Celebrates Ukachukwu’s Primary Victory, Pledges Unified Support for Anambra 2025 Guber Race

 

The political landscape in Anambra State has witnessed a surge of optimism following the victory of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming 2025 governorship election. Ukachukwu’s triumph in the Saturday primary has sent waves of excitement through his supporters, particularly the members of Ikemba Front, who are now firmly behind his candidacy as the party gears up for a crucial showdown in the November 8 election.

Ikemba Front, a notable political group in the state, had initially thrown its weight behind the candidacy of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. However, their hopes were dashed with the untimely death of Ubah, a blow that initially threatened to derail their plans. Yet, the group swiftly pivoted to Ukachukwu when he chose to step into the race, reviving his gubernatorial aspirations following Ubah’s death.

Ukachukwu had long been a steadfast supporter of Ubah, vowing that as long as Ubah remained in the race, he would shelve his own ambitions, promising to deliver the votes of Nnewi South, his home local government area, for Ubah. With the tragic passing of Ubah, Ukachukwu, recognizing the importance of unifying the party, decided to carry on the fight for the South Senatorial zone, to which the governorship seat had been zoned.

What made Ukachukwu's victory in the primary even more significant was the unflagging support of Ikemba Front. Led by Arinzechuchukwu Awogu, a former chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, the group quickly embraced Ukachukwu’s candidacy as he stepped into the ring. The group’s quick alignment with Ukachukwu was made even easier by his roots in the Anambra South Senatorial zone, a critical factor in the state’s political calculations.

Ukachukwu’s path to the APC governorship ticket was paved with organizational strength. Ikemba Front, a well-structured political group, played a central role in mobilizing delegates for the APC ward congress, ensuring that the delegates voted in the primary in Ukachukwu’s favor. This was the result of months of groundwork that took place at the state, local government, and ward levels, where Ikemba Front had already established a strong presence.

In the week leading up to the primary, Ikemba Front threw its collective weight behind Ukachukwu, with notable figures like Elder Oraefo, Awogu, and Okoye Agu—former Deputy Governor of Anambra State—leading the charge in endorsing him. During this period, they reaffirmed their commitment to the zoning formula, which dictated that the South Senatorial zone would produce the next governor of Anambra, irrespective of party affiliation. Ukachukwu’s candidacy was seen as a fulfillment of that promise.

On the day of the APC primary, the results were decisive. Ukachukwu triumphed with a landslide victory, securing a resounding 1,455 votes, far outpacing his closest competitor, Valentine Ozigbo, who garnered just 67 votes. JohnBosco Onunkwo and Edozie Madu trailed behind with 26 and eight votes, respectively. Other aspirants, including Paul Chukwuma, Chukwuma Umeoji, and Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, had already dropped out earlier in the week, acknowledging that they could not match Ukachukwu’s momentum.

The victory has sparked jubilation among Ikemba Front members, who have remained loyal to their cause. Gerald Emenike, the group’s coordinator for Ekwusigo Local Government Area, expressed overwhelming joy over Ukachukwu’s success but stressed the need for him to act swiftly in uniting the different factions that emerged from the primary. Emenike emphasized that forging unity within the party is essential to mounting a strong challenge against the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, in the upcoming election.

He also took the opportunity to commend Awogu for his unwavering leadership and commitment to Ukachukwu’s cause. Emenike underscored the importance of grassroots support in securing victory, asserting that the foundation laid by Ikemba Front would be crucial to APC’s success on November 8.

In the aftermath of the primary, some members of Ikemba Front have gone so far as to suggest that Ukachukwu’s victory is symbolic of Ifeanyi Ubah’s legacy, with one member describing it as Ubah "getting his revenge" through the landslide win. The sentiment is clear: Ukachukwu’s success represents the culmination of Ubah’s vision, which is now being carried forward by his supporters.

With the APC now rallying behind Ukachukwu, all eyes are set on the November 8 governorship election, where the party aims to mount a formidable opposition to Soludo’s government. The challenge ahead is clear, but for now, Ukachukwu and his supporters are savoring a well-earned victory, while working tirelessly to prepare for the election that could change the future of Anambra State.