NDC Gains Momentum In Anambra As APGA Woos Peter Obi Supporters

KINSLEY EBERE 

Political activities in Anambra State are gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is reported to be gaining ground in several towns, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is making moves to woo supporters of former Governor Peter Obi.

The development comes amid an ongoing public debate between the Anambra State Government led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo and NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi over the financial records of the state when Obi served as governor between 2006 and 2014.

Towns Where Momentum Is Visible

According to political observers and local reports, NDC activities have been noticeable in key Anambra towns including Awka, the state capital, Onitsha, the commercial hub, Nnewi, the industrial city, Ekwulobia, Agulu, the hometown of Peter Obi, Nkpor, Obosi, Otuocha, Umunze and now Umuchu, Uga and Ihiala in Aguata and Ihiala Local Government Areas.

In Aguata axis, towns like Umuchu, Uga and Ekwulobia are witnessing increased political meetings. Sources in Umuchu and Uga said new support groups linked to NDC have emerged, with many youths and traders openly identifying with the Obidient Movement. In Ihiala town and surrounding communities in Ihiala LGA, NDC’s visibility has also increased due to voter sensitization and community engagements.

Anambra has 21 Local Government Areas including Aguata, Awka North, Awka South, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Ayamelum, Dunukofia, Ekwusigo, Idemili North, Idemili South, Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Orumba North, Orumba South and Oyi. Observers say NDC’s visibility is strongest in urban centres like Awka South, Onitsha North, Idemili North, Nnewi North and now gaining strength in Aguata and Ihiala.

Background Of Soludo And Obi Exchange

The political debate intensified after the Anambra State Government released a statement disputing Peter Obi’s claim that he left the state without debt. The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, and Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, said eight external loans contracted during Obi’s tenure for projects including malaria control, erosion management, education and healthcare remained outstanding. The government said the combined balance stood at about $92.35 million, equivalent to about N127.4 billion as of June 30, 2026, according to a Debt Management Office report.

Peter Obi rejected the claim, describing it as completely false. He released his handover note dated March 17, 2014, stating that Anambra had a net positive balance of over N86 billion and that his administration cleared over N35 billion in historical gratuities and arrears. He also stated that the state owed nothing in salaries, gratuities, pensions or certified contractor debts at handover.

Both sides have presented documents to support their positions. The claims and counter-claims have not been adjudicated by any court or independent audit as of the time of filing this report.

APGA Candidates Facing The Heat

The ongoing criticism by Governor Soludo, who is the national leader of APGA, is now having direct effects on APGA candidates. Reports from Umuchu, Uga, Ihiala, Ekwulobia, Awka and Onitsha indicate that APGA candidates are facing the heat of the debate.

According to local sources, some APGA candidates for State and National Assembly seats are finding it difficult to campaign in areas where Peter Obi remains highly popular. In Umuchu and Uga, youths reportedly questioned APGA candidates during town hall meetings about why the Soludo administration is attacking Obi. In Ihiala, some voters were said to have told APGA aspirants that they would support NDC unless the party reconciles with Obi’s supporters.

Political analysts say APGA remains the ruling party in Anambra, having won the November 8, 2025 governorship election with Governor Soludo securing 422,664 votes to win all 21 local government areas. However, the public exchange with Peter Obi has created a sympathy wave for NDC.

Some APGA stakeholders are said to be appealing for reconciliation, arguing that APGA historically enjoys support from former APGA members and that Peter Obi himself was once governor under APGA. They believe wooing Obi’s supporters could help APGA retain its dominance in Anambra in 2027.

Other analysts note that APGA’s strategy of focusing on governance achievements, including payment of N22 billion in gratuity arrears inherited from previous administrations and infrastructural projects, could help its candidates reduce the heat and appeal to voters more interested in current performance than historical debates.

As the 2027 election approaches, both NDC and APGA are expected to intensify consultations across Anambra towns. Observers say the final outcome will depend on voter education, party organization and how each party manages internal unity.