Baskadia

BY ETTAH EMMANUEL O

AWKA, Nigeria — Valentine Ozigbo, a 2021 governorship candidate in Anambra State, has resigned from the Labour Party (LP), marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.

In a move that had been the subject of speculation for weeks, Mr Ozigbo formally submitted his resignation letter on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at a Labour Party stakeholder meeting in Awka, the state’s capital.

The multiple-award-winning global CEO, known for his reformist and inspirational approach, emphasised that his decision was motivated by a broader vision for Anambra’s future rather than political expediency.

“This is not a moment of uncertainty. It is a moment of celebration,” Ozigbo declared in a statement posted emailed to The Trent, following his resignation.

“A moment of renewed strength. And a moment of boundless possibilities.”

Departure with Diplomacy

Ozigbo, a respected business mogul and immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, made a notable bid for the Anambra governorship in 2021 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before aligning with the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections.

His affiliation with LP was driven by the candidacy of Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate and a former Anambra governor.

Recognising Obi’s influence and leadership, Ozigbo disclosed that he had informed him of his resignation before making the announcement public.

This gesture, he said, was a mark of respect for Obi’s political stature and shared ideals.

While Ozigbo did not immediately disclose his next political move, he hinted at the formation of a broader movement that transcends traditional party structures.

“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,” he said.

Shifting Political Alignments in Anambra

Ozigbo’s departure comes amid growing shifts in Anambra’s political dynamics, where the Labour Party made significant inroads in the 2023 elections. His exit signals potential realignments ahead of the 2025 governorship contest.

Regarded as the “beautiful bride” in the Anambra guber race of 2025, Ozigbo stopped short of declaring his next steps, analysts suggest that Ozigbo’s emphasis on “a different path” and “a movement that will bring real transformation” could foreshadow an independent political structure or an alignment with another party.

With Anambra’s political space heating up, his move is likely to attract attention from both the state’s ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and opposition forces seeking to consolidate influence in the state.

A Battle for the Future

For Ozigbo, who has built a reputation as a bridge between grassroots politics and elite governance, the challenge ahead will be how to convert his personal political brand into a formidable force capable of reshaping Anambra’s leadership.

“I joined politics not for personal ambition but because I believe in the boundless potential of our people,” he said.

“Our work is just beginning. The fire for a better Anambra burns stronger than ever.”

His departure leaves questions about the Labour Party’s future trajectory in Anambra and whether it can retain its momentum without one of its most prominent figures.

As the state prepares for its next political cycle, Ozigbo’s next move could set the tone for what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle for Anambra’s future.