SOLUDO ALLIES SHOCKED: ORJI, IBEKWE AMONG FIVE INCUMBENTS SWEPT OUT IN APGA PRIMARIES
In a stunning turn of events ahead of the August 29, 2026 local government elections, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Sunday concluded its primaries in Anambra State, dropping five incumbent chairmen long considered politically untouchable.
While 16 sitting chairmen retained the party’s ticket, the axe fell on Onitsha South LGA’s Emeka Orji, Idemili South LGA’s Amaka Obi, Aguata LGA’s Dr. Chinueze Ofobike, Anaocha LGA’s Chief John Ibekwe, and Ekwusigo LGA’s James Obi. The five were replaced by fresh faces — Ifeanyi Onuchukwu, Ezeagu Okwey, Iloegbunam Obichukwu, Moufonanya Ikechukwu, and Paulinus Okafor — sending shockwaves through the state’s political landscape.
The removed chairmen, many of whom previously served two terms as Transition Committee Chairmen before their election victories, were widely viewed as loyal allies of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, fueling speculation that their ouster was either punitive or politically strategic.
APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, however, rejected suggestions of punishment, insisting the decision “has nothing to do with competence” and reflects the party’s desire to “revitalise grassroots administration” with new leadership.
