Val Ozigbo, top LP guber aspirant, leaves party

Valentine Ozigbo

TOP governorship aspirant of the Labour Party, Valentine Ozigbo has announced his depature from the party, in a move that would shake the Labour Party in a different way.
Ozigbi, a protegé of Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in a letter titled, A New Chapter: A Bold Step for Anambra’s Future, made his departure public on Wednesday without saying which party he would join.
The letter read:
“My Dear Ndi Anambra,
“A few moments ago, at a State Executive Committee meeting of the Labour Party in Awka, in Anambra State, I formally submitted my resignation letter to my ward’s Chairman.
“My unwavering commitment to the greater vision for our state guides this decision. “Before this, His Excellency Peter Obi was duly informed of my decision as a mark of my deep respect for his leadership and the principles we have shared on this journey. I equally notified the National Chairman.
“At every defining moment in history, our choices shape the future we dream of. “Today, as I take a new step in my journey of service, I do so with an unshakable resolve, a clear vision, and the unwavering belief that Anambra’s best days are ahead of us.
“I joined politics not for personal ambition but because I believe in the boundless potential of our people. I believe in a leadership that is compassionate, that inspires, and that truly serves the people. That mission has not changed; it has only become stronger.
“Recent events have made one thing clear: the time has come for us to build something new, something bold, something that speaks to the hopes and aspirations of every Anambra son and daughter.
“That is why, after deep reflection and broad consultations, I have chosen to take a different path, one that is not about party lines, but about our people. About progress. About a movement that will bring real transformation to our great state.
“Let me be clear: This is not a moment of uncertainty. It is a moment of celebration. A moment of renewed strength. And a moment of boundless possibilities. To those who believe in this vision, stand firm. “To those who have walked this journey with me, stay resolute. Because what lies ahead is bigger, brighter, and more powerful than anything we leave behind.
“Our work is just beginning. The fire for a better Anambra burns stronger than ever. And together, we will rise, we will build, and we will win,” the letter read.
Ozigbo concluded the letter which he personally signed with, “This is our moment. Ka Anambra Chawapu”.
Ozigbo, a former top corporate executive, was expected to be the Labour Party candidate for the election.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had last November announced the time table for the Anambra governorship election thus:
.13 November 2024, notice of election
.20 March to 10 April 2025, party primaries
.10 April 2025, candidate nomination portal opens at 9am
.12 May 2025, candidate nomination closes at 6pm
.9 June 2025, final list of candidates will be published
.11 June 2025, political parties begin their public campaigns
.6 November 2025, campaigns end at midnight
.8 November 2025, election holds in all 5,720 polling units across Anambra State
Ozigbo leaving the Labour Party is seen as an early indication that Peter Obi would not pursue his political ambition under the Labour Party in 2027.
He finished second in the 2021 governorship race behind Prof Charles Soludo. Ozigbo then ran under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.