Nicholas Ukachukwu has clinched the APC governorship ticket in Anambra, marking a shift from his past role as a political godfather. Vowing to lead as a "father," he urges party unity ahead of the November election. Ukachukwu promises to mainstream Anambra’s politics and drive development to the grassroots.
Nicholas Ukachukwu, a longtime political heavyweight in Anambra State, is stepping out of the shadows to lead from the front. On Saturday, Ukachukwu secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket, marking a new chapter in a career-long defined by influence behind the scenes.
Addressing the party faithful after his landslide victory, Ukachukwu acknowledged his past as a kingmaker but declared a decisive shift in his political journey. "Nobody has ever won the governorship of Anambra without my support," he said. "I have been a godfather, but now I want to be the father of the fathers. No more godfatherism."
Ukachukwu’s emergence follows a commanding performance in the APC primaries, where he earned 1,455 votes, far outpacing his closest rival, Valentine Ozigbo, who garnered 67 votes. Other contenders, Edozie Madu and Johnbosco Onunkwo secured 8 and 26 votes, respectively.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Ukachukwu urged party members to rally together as Anambra gears up for the November gubernatorial election. "This is not the end, but the beginning of a greater journey," he said, emphasizing the need for unity, hard work, and prayer.
He also addressed recent remarks by incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who had previously dismissed the APC’s relevance in Anambra. "Today, the governor acknowledges that APC is present and growing stronger," Ukachukwu noted.
As the election campaign intensifies, Ukachukwu says he is preparing for a tough battle but remains confident. "The battle is for men to prepare," he said, "but victory belongs to God."
