Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Anambra, says he is moving away from his longstanding role as a political godfather to take the lead in the upcoming election.

Ukachukwu spoke after clinching the party’s ticket, describing his candidacy as the beginning of a new phase in his political journey.

“One thing I want to say here is that nobody has won governorship of Anambra state without my support. It has never happened before,” he said.

“I have been playing godfatherism, but now I want to be the father of the father. No more godfather.”

The former member of the house of representatives called on party members and stakeholders to unite and work towards delivering Anambra to the APC.

“This is not the journey, but the beginning of the journey itself,” he said.

“There is nothing better than us winning the seat of governance of Anambra state. Bringing Anambra to the mainstream will bring a lot of things that will flow down to the grassroots.

“Today, you have given me your mandate to embark on that task, but I cannot do it without you. I need all your support, I need all your prayers. We have to work hard.”

Ukachukwu also addressed past remarks credited to Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, dismissing the presence of APC in the state.

“Before now, the governor said there is no APC in Anambra state. Today, he said APC is in Anambra state,” he said.

“With God on our side, with your support, and the cooperation of my co-aspirants, we shall deliver Anambra to APC.

“I don’t want to talk like someone who has won the war. I want to talk like someone preparing to go for war.

“The preparation for the battle is for human beings, but victory comes from God. Let’s close ranks together, let’s work hard, let’s pray hard and deliver Anambra to APC.”

Ukachukwu clinched the ticket at the party’s primary election on Saturday, defeating his closest rival, Valentine Ozigbo, and other contenders by a landslide.

He polled 1,455 votes while Ozigbo secured 67 votes. Edozie Madu and Johnbosco Onunkwo got 8 and 26 votes, respectively.

The Anambra governorship election will hold on November 8, 2025.