Abuja, Nigeria: In the lead-up to the April 5, 2025 governorship primary election in Anambra State, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdulahi Ganduje, has issued a strong appeal to the state’s wealthy individuals, urging them to refrain from using their financial influence to disrupt the party’s unity. The call was made during a courtesy visit by the ‘Booth to Booth with Bola Tinubu’ support group in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ganduje acknowledged the economic power of Anambra’s billionaires but emphasized that their wealth should be channeled into developing the state rather than contributing to actions that could undermine the APC’s stability ahead of the critical primaries. He also made assurances to the party’s members and stakeholders, stressing that the primary elections would be free, fair, and transparent.

In his speech, Ganduje called for a unified front within the APC, urging that all stakeholders be committed to working together to ensure a smooth and successful primary election. He stressed that, unlike in previous elections, there should be no interference from powerful individuals who might try to manipulate the process for personal gain.

“As a party, if we are to have a good primary in the state, all our stakeholders are supposed to be born again. We told them that this time around, business should not be as usual. Let us support the system,” Ganduje remarked, calling on all members to focus on supporting the party’s overall growth rather than individual ambitions.

He emphasized that Anambra billionaires, despite their wealth, should focus on contributing to the party’s growth and the development of the state, rather than using their resources to disrupt the election process. “They should not use the money to scatter the state but to develop the state and build APC,” he said, adding that any billionaire who could help produce a consensus candidate for the party would receive a special award.

During the meeting, the issue of whether to adopt a direct or indirect primary election method in Anambra was also discussed. Ganduje assured the group that the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) would work closely with party leadership to determine the best approach, considering the security challenges in the state.

“We know that security is a concern in Anambra State, and as an institution, we will sit down and come back with whichever method for the primary,” Ganduje said. He stressed that the decision would be made with the well-being of the party and the safety of voters in mind.

Earlier in the meeting, Iyke Madu, the National Coordinator of ‘Booth to Booth with Bola Tinubu’, raised concerns about the prevailing insecurity in Anambra State. Madu pointed out that the state government was unable to conduct local government elections due to ongoing security challenges. He referenced reports from communities where elections could not be held because of violence and instability.

Given the situation, Madu suggested that the APC adopt the indirect primary method for Anambra, in line with the party’s constitution. He explained that if the state government, which holds authority over local elections, was unable to conduct elections due to security risks, it would be impractical for the APC to organize direct primaries in the state.

“The state government could not conduct their own local government elections due to insecurity. They wrote to certain communities telling them that, due to insecurity, elections cannot be conducted in those places,” Madu explained. “We are requesting for the party to make these primaries indirect primaries, as our constitution provides for that.”

In conclusion, Ganduje’s remarks underscore the need for unity within the APC as it prepares for the governorship primaries in Anambra State. His call for wealthy individuals in the state to use their resources for positive development, rather than disruption, reflects the APC’s focus on building a stronger party and ensuring peaceful elections in the face of security challenges. The ongoing discussions about the election method also reflect the party’s commitment to ensuring that the primary process remains both secure and inclusive, keeping the best interests of Anambra State and the APC at the forefront.

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