Anambra 2025: Over 32,000 APGA Members Join APC as Ukachukwu Receive Massive Backing Ahead of 2025 Polls

 

A powerful wave of political realignment has swept through Anambra State, setting the stage for a potentially game-changing gubernatorial election in November 2025. In what many analysts are calling one of the most significant defections in the state’s recent history, more than 32,000 members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have officially crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC), rallying behind the gubernatorial candidacy of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu.

The high-profile defection occurred during a grand rally and thanksgiving celebration organized by the Sustenance of Faith in Governance (SOFIG) Family, also known as the Ikwukuoma SOFIG Family. The event, held to mark the group’s sixth anniversary, turned into a full-blown political declaration of support for Ukachukwu and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife.

A sea of supporters, grassroots leaders, political stakeholders, and party faithful converged on the venue to witness what many are calling the dawn of a new political order in Anambra. The energy in the crowd was electric as Prince Ukachukwu, fondly referred to as "Ikwukuoma", addressed the gathering with heartfelt gratitude and resolute optimism.

He praised the SOFIG movement for standing firmly behind him without financial inducement, a rarity in Nigerian politics. "This is the first time I have experienced this level of unshaken support without being asked for a single kobo. SOFIG has embraced this vision with faith, with love, and with an unwavering belief in a better tomorrow. This is more than politics. It is a divine assignment rooted in family, community, and genuine leadership," Ukachukwu said.

He went further to underscore his commitment to building a new political class that starts from the grassroots and rises to the highest levels of governance. "In this very crowd are future councillors, local government chairpersons, and assembly members. This campaign is a launchpad for a new leadership culture in Anambra. Change must begin at the base and climb upward," he emphasized.

Senator Uche Ekwunife, the APC deputy governorship candidate, added fuel to the momentum with a passionate address that highlighted Ukachukwu’s integrity and leadership qualities. She described him as the type of leader Anambra desperately needs. "The time for decisive leadership has come. Prince Nicholas is ready, he is God-fearing, and he is a leader with vision. From our 901 wards across Anambra Central and beyond, we are going to deliver victory," she declared.

She also lauded the SOFIG founders, Dr. (Bar) Kingsley Ezekwelu and Dr. Kenneth Ezekwelu, for establishing a movement that has become a beacon of political awakening in the state.

As the crowd roared with approval, Dr. Kingsley Ezekwelu, who serves as SOFIG’s National President, made the group’s endorsement official. In a bold show of commitment, he announced a ₦150 million donation to the Ukachukwu-Ekwunife campaign. "We are over 35,000 members strong today. Our 32,000 new converts from APGA are not just numbers. They are a movement. This is not a campaign for positions. It is a mission for transformation. And we will win it with our PVCs," Dr. Ezekwelu declared.

Adding weight to the event, Anambra APC Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, formally welcomed the defectors. He described the day as a pivotal moment in the APC’s march toward power in the state. "With Prince Ukachukwu, we have a clear path to delivering real change in Anambra. SOFIG has shown the kind of courage and unity we need," he stated. Chief Ejidike also pledged ₦2 million to the SOFIG movement and assured of deeper collaboration in the weeks to come.

The momentum didn’t stop at endorsements and speeches. The rally became a financial powerhouse for the campaign, with notable figures stepping forward with substantial donations. Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu, Chairman of the event and founder of Akulueuno United Brothers, donated ₦60 million. He split the donation evenly, with ₦30 million going directly to the campaign through the Prince and Princess Group in Abuja, and another ₦30 million allocated to SOFIG.

To boost mobilization efforts, Chief Ejiogu further announced ₦1 million for each local government area in the state. Chief Anthony Ezekwugo followed with ₦1 million pledged for Idemili South and ₦10 million toward SOFIG’s national operations. Engr. JohnBosco Onunkwo and the Okwuosa family also contributed ₦1 million each, adding to the growing financial war chest.

The rally closed on a high note with music, chants, and a strong sense of collective purpose. For many attendees, it was not just a political gathering but a symbolic declaration that Anambra’s political tides are turning. Whether this movement translates to victory at the polls remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the APC, powered by Ukachukwu, Ekwunife, and the SOFIG Family, has firmly planted its flag in the race for Anambra’s future.