The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in Anambra State has descended into a major internal crisis, with aspirants rejecting the process and alleging widespread irregularities, manipulation, and failure to conduct credible voting in several wards.
The dispute, which has thrown the constituency into uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general elections, has raised fresh concerns over internal democracy within the party at the state level.
One of the aspirants, Honourable Chimbudike Igboekwe, strongly disputed the outcome, alleging that the exercise was compromised from the outset. He accused a rival aspirant, KK Ezekwelu, of taking control of sensitive electoral materials and manipulating results outside approved collation centres.
According to him, result sheets for both Idemili North and South were allegedly diverted away from designated ward collation points, with claims that figures were later compiled in a hotel environment in Awka.
“What transpired was not an election,” Igboekwe said. “Result sheets were removed from the process and used to generate outcomes that do not reflect any voting that took place in the wards. In many areas, no election held at all.”
He further alleged that in Idemili North, collation materials meant for Ogidi were instead taken to Umuoji, creating confusion and disrupting the process. He added that attempts by party members and youths to demand proper procedure reportedly led to tension at the scene.
Igboekwe also raised concerns about the presence of security operatives and suspected thugs during the exercise, describing the situation as intimidating and inconsistent with democratic standards.
He said he would challenge the outcome through all internal party mechanisms and, if necessary, the courts, insisting that the process must reflect the will of delegates at the ward level.
Efforts to obtain official clarification from the APC in Anambra State were unsuccessful, as party officials did not respond to enquiries at the time of filing this report.
The development adds to growing tension within the party in the state, as stakeholders await clarity on the disputed primary outcome.
APC Idemili Federal Constituency Primary Crisis Deepens Amid Fraud Allegations
