By Joy Odor
The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Thursday presented the Certificate of Return to Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, who won the Anambra governorship primary election with 1,455 votes.
In his address shortly after presenting the APC Certificate of Return, Dr. Ganduje charged all stakeholders, particularly the other aspirants and their supporters to work for the Party’s victory in the November 8, 2025 Anambra state gubernatorial election.
He called on all aspirants within the party to unite and work collectively ahead of the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election.
Ganduje commended the election committee for conducting a fair and transparent primary process, saying internal cohesion is vital for the party’s success in the general election.
Meanwhile, the APC National Working Committee (NWC) has considered and approved the report of the Party’s Anambra State Governorship Primary Election.
The Primary Election Committee, under the Chairmanship of Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Bassey Otu, in its report, declared Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu the winner of the election with 1,455 votes.
Ganduje thanked the Bassey Otu-led Primary Election Committee for delivering a fair, credible and transparent election.
Receiving the certificate, Prince Ukachukwu appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for upholding democratic principles, noting that the primary election was a reflection of the party’s commitment to fairness and credibility.
He informed that his victory was the result of grassroots engagement with party members across wards and local government areas, who supported his vision and capacity to lead Anambra State to victory.
Prince Ukachukwu pledged that, if elected, he would support federal efforts in tackling insecurity, addressing youth unemployment, and driving economic development in the state.
He also extended a hand of reconciliation to fellow aspirants, urging them to join forces with him to ensure a united front and deliver victory for the APC in Anambra.
Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving the certificate, Prince Ukachukwu maintained that his emergence was a reflection of the people’s will and not the influence of political godfathers.
He therefore dismissed insinuations that he is positioning himself as a political godfather in Anambra, but has only supported and contributed to the emergence of past governors out of genuine commitment to the state’s progress.
Prince Ukachukwu however highlighted his track record of community development and youth empowerment, and ascertained that he personally funded major road projects and owns twelve industries across Anambra State.
“People misunderstood what I said. I’m not claiming to be a godfather. What I said was that no governor has emerged in Anambra without my support. From Mbadinuju to Ngige, Obi, Obiano, and even Soludo — I played critical roles. For Obiano, it was in my house that the Anglican Church endorsed him. That’s not godfatherism, that’s influence built on integrity and consistency,” he explained.
“This is not about imposition. This is not godfather politics. I went to the people, the real party men and women on the ground. They looked me in the eye and asked if I truly wanted to deliver Anambra. When I told them yes, they said, ‘We are running with you.’ These are councillors, LG chairmen, commissioners and board members that are the kind of trust I earned.
“I was once the second largest employer of labour after the government. I have raised over 200 graduates and invested heavily in infrastructure. I know what it means to come from a humble background and rise. My governance will reflect that practical development, not just rhetoric,” he stressed.
