As preparation for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election gathers momentum, a former frontline governorship aspirant of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Paul Chukwuma, has picked the ticket of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) ahead of the guber poll.

Chukwuma emerged unopposed in a primary election organized in Awka, the state capital, on Thursday, April 10.

Paul Chukwuma dumped APC for YPP

Last Thursday, Dr. Chukwuma withdrew from the APC primary election scheduled for Saturday, April 5, citing the infiltration of non-progressive elements into the party as part of the reasons that informed his exit. He also alleged irregularities in the party’s primary election process.

Speaking after the primary election, Dr. Chukwuma said his aim of going strongly into the race is to provide good governance for the people of Anambra State; insisting that Governor Soludo's best is not good enough to lift the state to the next level - adding that Soludo has failed in giving Ndi Anambra the Dubai/Taiwan state he promised in his campaign.

He encouraged his supporters across the party divide to keep faith alive, as God would see them through; despite the orchestrations of his opponents.

Why Chukwuma left APC

He said: "I left APC, not because I hate the party or our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I left it because the process and arrangements for the primary election were far from being credible.

"Despite our decision to leave APC ahead of the primary election, we still reaffirm our loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda.

"Whatever is our agenda for the good people of Anambra state, we shall actualize them, even as YPP government. Our commitment towards the progress of Anambra State is not in doubt," he added.

The Anambra State chairman of the Young Progressive Party, Moses Obi, described Chukwuma as a game changer; saying that the party gave him waver to fly its flag because his objectives align with the vision and mission of the party and its founding fathers.

"With Paul Chukwuma as our candidate, there is no doubt that our party will win the November 8 governorship election.

He has all it takes to win the election. He has the support of the Anambra people. He also has the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu."

News of Dr. Chukwuma picking the YPP ticket for the November 8 election sparked widespread jubilation on major streets of Anambra State, particularly among the youth and women.