News Politics
32,000 APGA Members Defect To APC As SOFIG Endorses Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu
... ₦150 million support, massive endorsements, and waves of defections signal political tsunami ahead of 2025 polls
By Emeka Chiaghanam
In what is being described as a political earthquake in Anambra State, over 32,000 members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), throwing their weight behind Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the APC gubernatorial candidate for the November 8, 2025 governorship election.
The mass defection and grand endorsement took place at a colourful and electrifying ceremony organised by the Sustenance of Faith in Governance (SOFIG) Family, also known as the Ikwukuoma SOFIG Family. The event was a triple celebration, thanksgiving, official endorsement, and a celebration of SOFIG’s 6 years of existence.
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu Receives Thunderous Welcome
Amid cheers and loud ovation, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, fondly called Ikwukuoma, arrived the venue followed by his running mate, Senator (Iyom) Uche Ekwunife, to a rousing welcome by thousands of party faithful, SOFIG members, political heavyweights, and grassroots leaders.
In his speech, Prince Ukachukwu expressed profound gratitude, describing SOFIG’s support as unprecedented and deeply humbling.
“This is the first time I’ve been shown such overwhelming support without being asked for a kobo. SOFIG has invested in my candidacy with unconditional love, and I will never forget this show of faith. Victory starts from the families, from the wards, and that’s where real change begins.”
He vowed to usher in a new era of governance in Anambra State that will be anchored on integrity, grassroots empowerment, and divine guidance.
“God’s will shall prevail in this election, and I am confident that with your love and commitment, we shall emerge victorious come November 8.”
He further encouraged SOFIG members, stating that the energy and turnout at the event showed that within the crowd were future councillors, local government chairmen, and House of Assembly members, all of whom will form the new face of Anambra’s leadership.
Senator Uche Ekwunife: “Anambra Needs a Man Like Prince Nicholas”
Deputy governorship candidate and political stalwart, Senator (Iyom) Uche Ekwunife, declared that the time has come for a trustworthy, capable, and God-fearing leader to steer the state’s affairs.
“Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu is the leader Anambra needs. He is credible, he is ready, and his time is now. Our victory must begin at the ward level and spread like wildfire across the 901 wards of the Anambra Central Sentinel Zone.”
She praised the visionaries behind SOFIG, particularly the twin brothers, Dr. (Bar) Kingsley Ezekwelu and Dr. Kenneth Ezekwelu, for their unwavering commitment to the democratic rebirth of the state.
SOFIG Backs Ukachukwu with ₦150 Million
In a historic moment, Dr. Kingsley K. Ezekwelu, Esq., the National President of SOFIG, declared full endorsement of Prince Ukachukwu, announcing a ₦150 million donation to support the campaign.
“SOFIG is an organic movement founded six years ago to promote good governance and democratic excellence in Anambra. We started with a vision and today, we’re more than 35,000 strong. This is not a mere endorsement; this is a mission backed by action.”
Dr. Ezekwelu confirmed that the defecting 32,000 APGA members are also card-carrying members of SOFIG, stating that no political movement in Nigeria’s democratic history has shown such formidable, coordinated backing for a single candidate without inducement.
“The journey that started six years ago has reached its turning point. We are conquering with our PVCs, and we will see the light at the end of the tunnel, the light of victory.”
APC Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike: “The Tides Are Turning”
The Anambra APC Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, officially received the decamping APGA members and handed them the APC symbol of the broom, calling it a “massive and historic moment.”
“With Prince Ukachukwu, APC is poised to bring the long-desired change to Anambra. SOFIG has shown the way, and this is just the beginning.”
On behalf of the party, Chief Ejidike donated ₦2 million to support SOFIG and pledged more collaboration in the days ahead.
More Heavyweight Donations and Endorsements
The event turned into a financial and political show of strength, as key supporters and dignitaries made strategic donations and pronouncements.
Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu, Chairman of the occasion and founder of Akulueuno United Brothers, donated ₦30 million to the campaign team on behalf of the Prince and Princess Group, Abuja, and an additional ₦30 million personally to SOFIG. He described Prince Ukachukwu as a man of faith and integrity with a divine calling to transform Anambra. Chief Ejiogu also supported each local government area with ₦1 million, to empower ward mobilization efforts.
Chief Anthony Ezekwugo pledged ₦1 million for Idemili South, and ₦10 million to the SOFIG national structure. Engr. JohnBosco Onunkwo and the Okwuosa family also made financial commitments of ₦1 million each.
A Constellation of Political Stars
The event was graced by a litany of influential political figures and grassroots mobilizers, signaling a broad coalition of support:
The Road to November 8 Begins Now
As Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Senator Uche Ekwunife continue their campaign trail, the significance of the SOFIG endorsement and the massive defection from APGA to APC cannot be overstated. With financial firepower, grassroots mobilization, and divine optimism on their side, the Ukachukwu/Ekwunife ticket is gathering formidable momentum.
Change, it seems, has found a new name—Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu.
