Chief Engr. JohnBosco Obinna Onunkwo, a well-known humanitarian and oil and gas expert, has officially declared his candidacy for the 2025 Anambra governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made on February 1, 2025, at CornerStone Garden, Ekwulobia, where he addressed APC leaders and supporters from Aguata Local Government and Anambra South Senatorial Zone.
Onunkwo, a two-time APC governorship aspirant, was met with enthusiastic applause as he reaffirmed his dedication to securing victory for the party in the November election. He emphasized his deep-rooted history with APC and his ability to unify and lead the party to success. Citing his qualifications, experience, grassroots support, and integrity, he vowed to bring long-awaited political transformation to Anambra through his IFEDICHE Movement.
Positioning himself as a bridge between the old and new APC, Onunkwo stressed that he is the only candidate capable of rallying all factions within the party. He also highlighted his widespread youth support, referencing his title as Grand Commander of Anambra Youths, conferred by 256 youth groups, and his role as Grand Patron of Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide. Additionally, he underscored his strong backing among women, attributing it to his consistent advocacy for women’s empowerment and grassroots development.
Addressing party members, Onunkwo pledged to reward APC loyalists who have remained committed to the party, promising a leadership that prioritizes their interests. He also reiterated his intention to serve a single term, during which he aims to break the dominance of APGA in Anambra politics and firmly establish APC as the ruling party.
Confident in his chances, Onunkwo boldly declared:
“Once I have the ticket, by 2 PM on November 8, I will be declared the Governor.”
He called on APC leaders to ensure a fair primary election process and expressed trust in the party’s National Working Committee and the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a committed party leader focused on APC’s success in Anambra.
Throughout his speech, Onunkwo was interrupted by applause multiple times, reflecting the excitement among party members. Several key figures praised his resilience in contesting for the third time, acknowledging his sacrifices for the party and pledging their support.
The event saw a significant turnout of APC leaders and stakeholders, including ward chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries, youth leaders, and women leaders from all 20 wards of Aguata Local Government, as well as 27 local government executives led by Hon. Godson Anyadike. Other notable attendees included six local government chairmen from Anambra South, their ward chairmen, Anambra South Zonal Executives led by Hon. Izuchukwu Okeke, and members of the State Working Committee from Anambra South, led by State Secretary Engr. Chidi Orji (Omemma).
In their closing remarks, Hon. Godson Anyadike, the Aguata APC Chairman, and Hon. Izuchukwu Okeke, the Anambra South Zonal Chairman, commended Onunkwo’s dedication to the party and assured him of their full support. Other party leaders echoed the call for a transparent primary process to ensure the strongest candidate emerges for the general election.
As Onunkwo continues his statewide consultations, his IFEDICHE Movement is rapidly gaining traction, signaling a bold push for transformation and a renewed vision for APC in Anambra State.
