There was widespread celebration across Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State on Wednesday following the emergence of Hon. Igbiki Cyril Chiedozie as winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primary election.
Supporters and political observers described the outcome as a major grassroots victory that could significantly alter the political landscape of the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reports from several communities across Aniocha South indicated that Igbiki recorded strong support in multiple wards during the primary exercise.
Jubilant scenes were witnessed in communities including Ogwashi-Uku, Ubulu-Uku, Nsukwa, Ewulu, Ubulu-Unor, Ejeme-Aniogor, Adonte, Ishiagu, and Ashama, where party faithful, youths, and women groups celebrated what they described as a triumph of democracy and the people’s will.
Supporters said the result reflected growing resistance against political intimidation and alleged attempts at imposition within the constituency.
Videos circulating on social media showed enthusiastic supporters celebrating the outcome, while some clips also captured tense moments during the exercise as youths reportedly resisted alleged efforts to manipulate the process.
The development comes amid heightened political activities within the constituency as party stakeholders await official confirmation from the APC leadership.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, Igbiki expressed gratitude to the people of Aniocha South for the confidence reposed in him, describing the outcome as both humbling and inspiring.
“Today, my heart is filled with profound gratitude, humility, and renewed determination following the overwhelming support and confidence reposed in me during the just-concluded APC House of Assembly primary election,” he said.
According to the APC candidate, the victory belonged to the people of Aniocha South who defended democracy and upheld the sanctity of the electoral process despite what he described as mounting pressure and challenges.
“This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to the courageous people of Aniocha South who stood firmly to defend democracy, justice, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate despite all odds,” he stated.
He also commended youths, women groups, community leaders, and party supporters for their role during the exercise, particularly praising young people in the constituency for remaining vigilant throughout the process.
“I must specially commend the resilient youths of Aniocha South who refused to allow the electoral process to be hijacked. Your courage and vigilance have demonstrated once again that the future belongs to the people and not to intimidation or violence,” he added.
Igbiki further alleged that attempts were made to pressure him into withdrawing from the race before the primary election, insisting that leadership should only emerge through the freely expressed will of the people.
“Before this election, enormous pressure was mounted on me to withdraw from the race. I refused because I strongly believe that leadership must emerge through the freely expressed will of the people, not through coercion, imposition, or manipulation,” he declared.
He noted that the outcome of the primary reflected the people’s desire for fresh ideas, youth inclusion, infrastructural development, empowerment, quality representation, and accountable governance.
The APC candidate assured constituents that the mandate entrusted to him would strengthen his resolve to provide transparent and people-oriented representation if elected into the Delta State House of Assembly.
“This mandate is a call to service, sacrifice, accountability, and responsible leadership,” he said.
He also called for unity among party members and supporters ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that the movement was beyond personal ambition and focused on protecting democratic values and the voices of ordinary citizens.
“The future of Aniocha South belongs to the people, not to intimidation, not to violence, and not to manipulation,” he stressed.
Political analysts believe the outcome of the APC primary could reshape political alignments within Aniocha South as momentum continues to build around the youthful politician’s growing grassroots support.
