LAGOS, Nigeria – As Anambra State prepares for the 2025 governorship election, Valentine Ozigbo, a respected business leader, is presenting himself as the candidate who can bridge political divides and unify different factions.
In an interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central show on Friday, February 28, 2025, Ozigbo outlined his approach to governance, emphasising coalition-building and inclusive leadership across party lines.
“Going into the 2025 election, I intend to rally support from the APC, Labour Party, PDP, YPP, and even some groups within APGA,” Ozigbo said.
“This is going to be an all-hands-on-deck effort to get things done.”
A Candidacy Beyond Party Politics
Ozigbo, the 2021 candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2021 gubernatorial election and a prominent leader in the Obidient Movement, has recently joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Labour Party.
His move has been met with scrutiny, particularly from members of his former party.
However, he insisted that his decision was made in the best interest of Anambra.
“If Anambra deserves better leadership and people see that leadership in me, the question then became: which party am I best suited for to run this election and bring the great dividends of democracy that we want to see happen as quickly as possible?” he said.
While acknowledging the criticisms surrounding his defection, he argued that the upcoming election is not about party loyalty but about who can effectively govern the state.
“This is why 2025 is not just going to be about political parties – it is going to be about the candidates,” he stated.
Bridging Political Factions
Ozigbo’s strategy hinges on his ability to unify political factions that have traditionally been at odds.
He pointed to widespread dissatisfaction with the current Professor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration as a key driver of his campaign’s momentum.
“There is hardly any institution that is comfortable with the way Anambra is being governed—whether it is the church, market leaders, people on the streets, students, women, traditional rulers, or town unions,” the multiple Global CEO Award winner said.
“I can hardly find any single group that is satisfied with the current governance in Anambra.”
His ability to navigate Anambra’s diverse political landscape, having engaged with major parties including PDP, Labour, and APGA, has led him to frame himself as a consensus candidate who can bring stability to the state.
“I was the last PDP candidate, the most visible aspirant in the Labour Party, and a close ally to people in APGA who are unhappy with the current administration,” he said.
“With the support of multiple parties coming together, it was necessary not just to run for this election but to become the unifying candidate.”
Addressing Criticism of Party Switching
Ozigbo’s decision to join APC has raised concerns among some of his former allies, particularly in the Labour Party, where he was closely associated with the 2023 presidential campaign of Peter Obi.
Addressing these concerns, he argued that his political choices are based on principles rather than party affiliations.
“The real question became: Val, if you must run for this election and win, it has to be under APC. The only other alternative was not running at all,” he said.
Ozigbo added that after engaging with his supporters, many came to accept his decision.
“That confirmed their support for me as a person, not just the party I belonged to,” he said.
“My answer to them is simple: the same Valentine Ozigbo they have always known, loved, and supported is still here. The only difference is that I am now in APC.”
The Road Ahead
Ozigbo, who finished second in the 2021 gubernatorial race, is banking on his ability to consolidate support across political parties and present an alternative to the current administration.
During the 2021 race for governor, Ozigbo, the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, introduced a new style of politics without bitterness and brought people together behind a common purpose.
His Ka Anambra Chawapu Movement became the largest grassroots political movement in the South East, inspiring a new generation of political leaders.
His strategy marks a departure from traditional party-driven politics in Anambra, positioning him as a candidate focused on leadership rather than partisanship.
“The question is not just about parties anymore. It is about leadership, and Anambra deserves better,” he said.
