The aftermath of the All Progressives Grand Alliance( APGA) primary for Anambra North has taken a dramatic turn as senatorial aspirant Dr. Alex Obiogbolu issued a strongly worded statement decrying the exercise and describing it as a setback to internal party democracy.
Former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, was declared the winner of the Anambra North senatorial ticket.
Obiogbolu, a former Political Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, faulted the process, alleging irregularities and a departure from the party’s guidelines on transparent conduct of primaries.
In a statement titled “Strengthening Democracy Through Party Integrity: Statement on the Anambra North Senatorial Primaries,” Obiogbolu said his three decades in partisan politics have been driven by a commitment to strengthening internal democracy within political parties.
He argued that political parties are the “bedrock of democratic governance,” and that when internal processes are compromised, the broader democratic system suffers erosion.
Obiogbolu, who joined APGA about four years ago and served in government under the party, said he had hoped the party’s internal reforms had matured enough to guarantee credible primaries.
He expressed disappointment that “longstanding concerns around manipulation and disregard for due process” appeared to have resurfaced.
According to him, the party leadership had issued clear directives requiring electoral officers to document proceedings with video evidence covering accreditation, voting, counting, and declaration of results. Aspirants were also encouraged to record the process independently.
He alleged that compliance with these guidelines was not fully observed in some locations, raising what he described as “serious concerns requiring internal review.”
Obiogbolu stated that while he remains committed to party supremacy and would not pursue the matter outside official dispute-resolution channels, he could not accept what he termed a “fundamentally flawed” outcome.
“This is not merely about personal ambition,” he said. “It is about protecting the integrity of our democratic processes within the party.”
He ruled out withdrawal from political participation, insisting that sustained engagement remains the only path to institutional reform.
He also called on the party leadership to use the moment to strengthen internal democracy and restore confidence among members.
“To my supporters, I remain deeply grateful. Our voices cannot be bought,” he stated, urging calm and continued commitment to political ideals.
The development adds a new layer of post-primary tension within APGA in Anambra North, as stakeholders await the party’s official response to the concerns raised.
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