Patrick Obianyo, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the November 8, 2025 Anambra State election, resigned from the position on Friday, citing the overwhelming burden of the aspiration and health concerns. The announcement came during the party’s substitution primary election held at Hyton Hotel in Awka, monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Obianyo, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Anambra, formally handed over the candidacy to John Nwosu, a former Labour Party governorship aspirant, expressing confidence in his capability to lead the party to victory. “My blood pressure had increased due to the stress of the position, but I feel relieved handing over to a more capable person,” Obianyo stated, humorously urging supporters to stop addressing him as “His Excellency.”
Nwosu emerged unopposed through a voice vote conducted by the returning officer, Chief Anayo Arinze, who cited extant laws to validate the process. In his acceptance speech, Nwosu pledged to “rescue Anambra” by forming alliances and building a formidable opposition to challenge the incumbent administration. He described his defection to ADC as a strategic move, affirming that his political mission remains unchanged: “We will partner with ADC, her alliance, and coalition partners to dislodge the current government.”
Ben Nwosu, the campaign director for the new ADC candidate, praised his principal as an “ICT guru and billionaire in different currencies” while drawing parallels to former Anambra Governor Peter Obi’s humility. Nwosu’s political journey includes previous bids for the Labour Party ticket, where he lost twice: first to George Moughalu in a primary dominated by the Abure faction, and later to state legislator Jude Umenajiego in a parallel primary.
