Valentine Ozigbo Speaks on APC Move, Reveals Why He Abandoned Labour Party Despite Setback at Primaries

 

Valentine Ozigbo, a former governorship aspirant in Anambra State and one-time prominent figure in the Labour Party (LP), has shed more light on his dramatic political switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that stirred debates across Nigeria’s political landscape. In a candid interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, Ozigbo explained the motivations behind his decision to defect, declared that he harbors no regrets, and emphasized that his choice was driven by a desire to better serve the people of Anambra.

Ozigbo, who had contested for the APC governorship ticket but eventually lost to Nicholas Ukachukwu, said his decision to leave the LP was not born out of desperation but of principle and deep concern over the internal dynamics of his former party. Despite the disappointment of not clinching the APC ticket, he insisted that he remained convinced that the switch was necessary.

“I have no regrets whatsoever,” Ozigbo stated firmly when asked if he second-guessed his defection. “I looked at all the options before me. I prayed about it. I consulted, I engaged, but the reality was clear: something was fundamentally wrong in the Labour Party, and my concerns were not being addressed.”

Ozigbo, who has long been viewed as a bridge between technocratic ideals and grassroots appeal in Anambra politics, underscored the need for structural integrity within political organizations. According to him, the Labour Party, which gained significant national attention during the last general elections, was not functioning in a way that aligned with his values and political mission.

“It was no longer about ideology,” he said. “It was about whether or not I could work within a system that I no longer recognized, that I could no longer trust to carry forward the aspirations of our people.”

His comments also touched on a broader pattern in Nigerian politics—particularly the frequent cross-party defections by politicians. Citing recent developments in Delta State where several figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have jumped ship, Ozigbo offered a nuanced perspective on why politicians switch allegiances.

“There are always different motivations,” he noted. “Some are driven by genuine frustrations—lack of fairness, absence of internal democracy. For others, it may be less noble. But we must not assume that every defection is driven by personal ambition. Some of us are genuinely looking for better platforms to make change happen.”

In Ozigbo’s view, Nigeria's political reality presents a tough choice: either remain in the opposition and risk ineffectiveness, or join the ruling party and try to influence the system from within. He chose the latter, a decision he believes gives him a better chance to make a tangible difference, particularly in his home state of Anambra.

“I’m here for noble reasons,” he emphasized. “This is not about me. This is about connecting Anambra to the center, to the heart of governance, where real decisions are made and real progress can begin. We can’t afford to be isolated anymore. We must plug in, not just to gain access, but to secure real dividends of democracy for our people.”

He added that his choice of APC was strategic, particularly at a time when other parties were “too dysfunctional” to deliver on promises or organize effectively.

“For me, it came down to this: if we want to see change, if we want a better Nigeria, then we must be willing to work within the system—even if the system itself is imperfect. The APC provides the only viable platform at this time to push through the kind of transformative leadership we need in Anambra and beyond,” he said.

Addressing critics who view his defection as opportunistic, Ozigbo pointed to his long-standing commitment to development, transparency, and grassroots empowerment. He reiterated that his political journey was guided by faith and a deep desire to see Anambra reach its full potential.

“I prioritize God, and I prioritize the people,” he said. “My politics has always been about service, about bringing solutions to real problems. It’s never been about titles or positions.”

Though the loss at the APC primaries was undoubtedly a setback, Ozigbo remains resolute in his vision. He sees his current role as that of a facilitator—someone who can use his influence, networks, and vision to bridge gaps between local aspirations and federal opportunities.

“I may not have the ticket today,” he acknowledged, “but I still have a mission. I’ll keep fighting for Anambra’s future, from whatever position I find myself. This journey is bigger than any one election. It’s about legacy, about purpose, and about making sure that our children inherit a better state and a better country.”

With his eyes firmly fixed on what lies ahead, Valentine Ozigbo appears to have redefined his path—not through loyalty to party lines, but through commitment to a cause he deems greater than politics.