APGA Announces Primary Election Timetable for Anambra Local Government Polls

Spread the love

Preparations for the 2026 local government elections in Anambra State have gathered momentum as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) unveiled its internal roadmap for selecting candidates.

The party released a detailed schedule outlining the steps aspirants must follow before the official local government polls.

Party Confirms Timetable for Candidate Selection

In a statement issued from Awka, APGA explained that the schedule aligns with both its internal regulations and the electoral framework established by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC).

The announcement was communicated by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, who confirmed that the programme had received the necessary approval within the party structure.

Nomination Forms and Registration Window

The process begins with the purchase and submission of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, which opened on January 27.

According to the party, aspirants are expected to complete their submissions no later than February 6.

All related activities during this stage are to be conducted at the party’s regional secretariat in Awka, where officials will receive documentation from interested contestants.

Screening Exercise for Aspirants

Following the submission phase, the next stage involves verifying the credentials of candidates.

The party scheduled the screening exercise between February 7 and February 11, covering individuals seeking both chairmanship and councillorship positions.

The verification process will take place across the entire state structure, including:

21 local government areas
326 political wards

Party officials say this stage is designed to ensure that all aspirants meet the requirements stipulated in APGA’s constitution.

Appeals and Internal Party Review

After the screening process is concluded, a short window has been set aside for resolving disputes or complaints.

Any appeals arising from the screening outcome will be addressed on February 13.

The appeal process is intended to provide transparency and ensure fairness before the primaries move into the next phase.

Ward Congress and Delegate Selection

A crucial step in the selection process will occur on February 14, when the party will hold ward congresses.

During these congresses, members will select councillorship candidates while also choosing ad-hoc delegates who will participate in the chairmanship primaries.

Party leaders believe this grassroots stage will help strengthen internal participation across communities.

Chairmanship Primaries Scheduled in Awka

The final stage of the internal selection exercise will take place the following day.

APGA confirmed that the chairmanship primary election is scheduled for February 15 in Awka.

Additionally, any disputes arising from that primary will be addressed on February 16, allowing the party to finalize its list of candidates for the upcoming elections.

Cost of Nomination Forms

The party also released details of the approved fees for aspirants seeking its ticket.

The cost structure includes:

₦6 million for chairmanship nomination forms
₦600,000 for councillorship nomination forms

APGA clarified that all payments for nomination forms are non-refundable.

However, the party introduced concessions for certain groups.

Female aspirants and persons living with disabilities will receive a 50 percent reduction in the cost of nomination forms.

Party Issues Compliance Warning

The party leadership encouraged all aspirants to follow the guidelines strictly.

Officials stressed that candidates must adhere to internal party rules as well as the electoral regulations guiding the upcoming polls.

APGA also noted that the timetable remains provisional, meaning adjustments could be made if necessary.

Commentary and Analysis

The release of APGA’s primary election timetable signals the beginning of active political mobilisation ahead of the Anambra local government elections.

By announcing a structured calendar early, the party appears to be focusing on internal organisation and transparency in candidate selection.

The inclusion of discounted nomination forms for women and persons with disabilities may also be seen as an attempt to promote broader political participation.

For political observers, the coming weeks will test how effectively the party manages internal competition among aspirants while maintaining unity ahead of the elections.

Successful primaries could strengthen APGA’s grassroots structure in Anambra, where the party has historically maintained strong political influence.