A former governorship aspirant of the Labour Party in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress.
Ozigbo, who formally registered with the APC at his ward in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area, on Thursday—just 24 hours after resigning from the LP—said his decision was driven by his belief in progressive governance and the need to align with forward-thinking leaders.
The former Transcorp Plc boss, who was a close ally of Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, had previously contested the 2021 Anambra governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party but lost to the eventual winner, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
According to him, members of the APC in Amesi Ward visited his home on Thursday, where he was warmly received into the party.
Speaking through his campaign team, the Valentine Campaign Organisation, Ozigbo said, “This historic decision was formalised today (Thursday) when I completed my registration as a member of the APC at my ward in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“I was warmly received by party executives and stakeholders at the ward and local government levels. My decision to join the APC is driven by my deep-rooted belief in progressive governance, my desire to work alongside forward-thinking leaders, and my determination to champion policies that will uplift the people of Anambra and Nigeria at large.”
During his interaction with party leaders, Ozigbo outlined his vision for a transformed Anambra, stressing his commitment to economic development, people-centred governance, and progressive leadership.
He also pledged to contribute significantly to the party’s growth in the state.
Welcoming Ozigbo into the APC, the Chairman of Amesi Ward, Chidi Muokwe, described him as “the light in the darkness” that Anambra desperately needs.
Speaking on behalf of party executives in Aguata LGA, an APC chieftain, Chief Godson Anyadike, hailed Ozigbo’s defection, describing it as historic.
“In the history of APC in Aguata, no new member has ever come with this type of grace and excitement,” he said.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the Labour Party, Tony Offiah, and the Secretary of LP in Aguata LGA, Afam Okpalauzuegbu, also defected to the APC in solidarity with Ozigbo.
Speaking on his next steps, the politician said he would issue a formal statement after meeting with the national leadership of the APC in the coming days.
Ozigbo, however, insisted that his political ambition was not personal, saying, “I joined politics not for personal gains but because I believe in the boundless potential of our people.”
