The All Progressives Congress (APC) faces a challenging situation ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State.
Anambra has an unwritten zoning arrangement for the governorship, rotating among the state’s three senatorial zones. This arrangement became more significant in 2012 during the end of then-governor Peter Obi’s administration. Obi insisted that the ruling party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), select a candidate from Anambra North to ensure balance after governors from the South and Central zones had served. Obi’s push resulted in the election of Obiano from the North, solidifying the zoning practice.
As Governor Chukwuma Soludo nears the end of his first term, the demand for governorship candidacy has intensified. However, the APC appears to be considering abandoning the zoning arrangement by opening the contest to all zones. In June, the APC Elders Forum, led by Chief Innocent Obi, reinforced the importance of maintaining the zoning formula, arguing that the APC must field a southern candidate to have a chance in the election. Obi emphasized that breaking this agreement would harm the party’s prospects.
Despite this, some party members argue against zoning. The APC Progressives Media group claims that zoning arguments are misleading and that the party should focus on the popularity and acceptance of candidates regardless of their zone. They pointed out that previous APC candidates were selected based on these criteria, not zoning.
The Anambra State Chapter of the APC also dismissed zoning, stating that the party has no such arrangement and provides a level playing field for all aspirants.
Political analysts warn that disregarding the zoning agreement could harm the party’s chances. Chijioke Eze, a political analyst, noted that the APC has consistently lost elections with its current strategy and suggested that the party needs to change its approach. Dr. Justin Ogoo Nwankwo added that the APC should focus on equity and capacity by selecting a strong candidate from the southern zone to challenge Soludo.
Currently, two APC members, Senator Andy Ubah from Anambra South and Paul Chukwuma from Anambra North, have expressed interest in the governorship ticket.
