“I Walked Through Fire for Anambra”: Valentine Ozigbo Speaks on Leaving Labour Party, Joining APC, and His Unbroken Faith in Ndi Anambra
By Njenje Media News | November 2025
Awka, Anambra State
As Anambra gears up for the 2025 governorship election, business leader and politician Valentine Chineto Ozigbo has opened up about his political journey, the controversies surrounding his defection from the Labour Party, and his unshaken hope for Anambra’s future.
In a heartfelt message titled “My Dear Anambra People,” Ozigbo spoke candidly about his reflections, struggles, and convictions, describing his move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a difficult but necessary step to “rescue Anambra” from stagnation.
“I Know My Decisions Stirred Emotions, But I Hear You”
Ozigbo began by acknowledging the concerns and emotions his political choices have generated among Ndi Anambra.
“I know that for some, my decisions over the past year have raised questions, stirred emotions, and even caused pain. I do not dismiss any of that. You spoke from love for our home; I hear you, and I honour that love.”
He said his message was not political rhetoric but a sincere reflection on Anambra’s journey — a journey filled with “choices, disappointments, and possibilities.”
Why I Left the Labour Party
Ozigbo, who was once widely regarded as the face of the Obidient Movement in Anambra, revealed that his departure from the Labour Party was born out of deep frustration with what he described as “betrayal and sabotage from the top leadership.”
“At the height of the Labour Party’s momentum in Anambra — when the energy of the Obidient family was at its peak — I was not only present; I was fully committed,” he said.
“But I witnessed a level of betrayal and sabotage within the top leadership unlike anything I had encountered in public life.”
He recalled that he had enjoyed overwhelming grassroots support, citing online polls showing that over 90% of respondents preferred him as the Labour Party’s governorship candidate.
“The message was unmistakable,” he added. “We had overwhelming support from the grassroots, youth, and professionals. Yet what unfolded revealed that the very culture we condemned in other parties had taken root there — and, in some cases, even deeper.”
“I Didn’t Leave for Gain — I Left for Anambra”
Ozigbo explained that his decision to join the APC was driven by pragmatism, not personal interest.
“If we truly want to rescue Anambra from the current administration, only two political platforms had the structure and reach to achieve that — Labour Party and APC,” he said.
“With the Labour Party weakened beyond repair, only the APC remained a viable option. That was why I made the difficult but necessary decision to join the APC — not for personal gain, but for the love of Anambra.”
He described the transition as turbulent, noting that he faced scepticism from both those he left behind and his new political home.
“Those who once opposed me in Labour began to whisper falsehoods, calling me a mole in the APC. It was a painful irony — attacked where I left, and doubted where I arrived — yet I remained focused.”
“From the High Court to the Supreme Court — I Walked Through Fire”
The former Transcorp CEO recounted the legal and political battles that followed his defection, describing them as tests of endurance and conviction.
“From screening, to the primaries, to the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and ultimately the Supreme Court, I walked through fire,” Ozigbo said.
“Not because I sought office at all cost, but because I refused to compromise the soul of our dear state.”
He maintained that his fight was never about ambition, but about fairness, dignity, and the future of Anambra.
A Message of Faith, Forgiveness, and Hope
In a deeply spiritual close to his message, Ozigbo shared three heartfelt prayers — for courage, forgiveness, and divine mercy on Anambra and Nigeria.
“Lord, let me never betray the trust of my people, nor bow where truth demands we stand.
Lord, forgive and bless those who misunderstood or attacked me.
Lord, do not abandon Anambra or Nigeria — complete Your work in us.”
He urged Ndi Anambra not to lose faith despite political turmoil or leadership failures.
“Anambra’s story is not finished. The birth of something new often begins with the shaking of the old,” he wrote.
“To every young dreamer, every weary patriot, and every mother praying for a safer state — do not surrender your hope.”
“I Remain Here, I Remain Committed”
Ozigbo reaffirmed his loyalty to his people, declaring that politics does not define him — purpose does.
“I remain here. I remain available. I remain committed. Not because politics defines me, but because purpose demands me,” he said.
He concluded with a rallying call for unity and moral leadership:
“Anambra will rise — not through bitterness or blame, but through wisdom, courage, and a people united in truth. When that dawn breaks, we will recognise it. It will carry the fingerprints of God, not man.”
Background: The Rise of Valentine Ozigbo
Valentine Ozigbo is a respected business executive and philanthropist who previously served as the President and CEO of Transcorp Plc. He entered politics in 2021 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where he emerged as the party’s gubernatorial candidate.
In 2023, he joined the Labour Party, aligning with the Obidient Movement led by former Anambra governor Peter Obi. His defection to the APC in 2025 was met with both criticism and support, positioning him as one of the most closely watched figures ahead of the 2025 polls.
The Road Ahead
As Anambra navigates a tense political season, Ozigbo’s message appears to mark a new chapter in his political journey — one rooted in faith, reconciliation, and renewed resolve.
For his supporters, it is a reaffirmation of integrity; for his critics, a test of consistency. But for Ozigbo himself, it is a declaration that his story with Anambra is far from over.
“Chukwu gozie Anambra. Chukwu gozie Nigeria. Ka Anambra Chawapu.”
