Governor Soludo,
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has concluded its local government primaries in Anambra State, dropping five incumbent council chairmen as part of a broader reshuffle ahead of the August 29, 2026 local government elections.
The final list of candidates, released by the party’s publicity leadership, showed that 16 sitting chairmen secured return tickets, while five were replaced following the primaries conducted across the state’s 21 local government areas.
Those affected include the chairmen of Onitsha South, Idemili South, Aguata, Anaocha, and Ekwusigo councils.
Party sources indicated that many of the displaced officials had earlier served two terms as transition committee chairmen before emerging as elected council leaders under APGA.
Their replacements include new candidates selected for Ekwusigo, Aguata, Idemili South, Onitsha South, and Anaocha LGAs, in what observers describe as a strategic political recalibration within the party.
The development has generated mixed reactions across Anambra, particularly as the affected chairmen are widely seen as allies of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and were previously perceived as politically secure.
While the party has not officially stated the reasons for their removal, insiders suggest the move is aimed at revitalising grassroots governance and introducing new leadership dynamics ahead of the polls.
Speaking on the development, APGA’s national publicity leadership dismissed claims that the decision was punitive or based on performance concerns.
According to the party, the affected chairmen had demonstrated capacity but needed to give way for fresh participation and renewed ideas in local administration.
The party maintained that the reshuffle reflects its commitment to strengthening grassroots governance by injecting new energy into the local government system while acknowledging the contributions of outgoing chairmen.
The changes highlight evolving internal power dynamics within APGA as it balances continuity and renewal in preparation for the council elections.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission had earlier released the timetable and guidelines for the 2026 local government elections, assuring residents of a credible and transparent process.
Chairman of the commission, Genevieve Osakwe, said the primaries would be closely monitored to ensure compliance with electoral regulations and fairness among participating political parties.
