Anambra State Governor and national leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern warning to party leaders and members ahead of the 2027 primary elections, unveiling strict guidelines aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness, and party discipline. Speaking at the South-East zonal convention held at the International Convention Centre in Awka on Saturday, Soludo announced that APGA would adopt Option A4 for its primary elections, a method designed to eliminate rigging, reduce vote buying, and promote open, credible processes.
Soludo emphasized that the new approach would allow aspirants and party members to see real-time results, ensuring that victories are not hidden behind secret ballots or financial manipulation. “Once you look back and you are winning, you will know you are winning,” he stated, highlighting the importance of visible, transparent voting. He acknowledged that some party members might resist the change, viewing politics as a business opportunity, but stressed that the party must move beyond such practices to remain credible and effective.
The governor noted that many members had saved money for political activities, including purchasing shuttle buses, and were waiting for the election season to spend them. He urged them to redirect those resources toward the general election, not the primary, to ensure stronger campaigns against opponents from other parties. “We don’t want this period to be business as usual,” Soludo said, adding that the party must prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
Soludo also declared a strict ban on aspirants contesting multiple positions simultaneously. He warned that individuals seeking both governorship and senatorial seats would not be tolerated, stressing that such dual ambitions distract from duty and undermine party unity. “If you want to run for governor, make up your mind,” he said, urging members to start preparing now for the 2027 governorship race, since his tenure will end in the next three years.
Furthermore, the governor prohibited aspirants from visiting state executive members at their homes for bribery. All interactions must now take place at official party offices to ensure accountability and fairness. The National Chairman of APGA, Barr Sly Ezeokenwa, echoed these sentiments, reading out a comprehensive code of conduct for members that aligned with Soludo’s directives. He affirmed that the leadership is committed to cleaning up the party and restoring its integrity.
This move marks a significant shift in APGA’s internal governance, aiming to build a more disciplined and transparent political structure. As the party prepares for the 2027 elections, these reforms could influence how political parties operate across Nigeria, setting a precedent for ethical conduct and strategic planning in electoral processes.
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