Celebrations erupted across Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State on Wednesday as Hon. Igbiki Cyril Chiedozie emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primary election, recording what supporters described as a massive grassroots triumph across the constituency.
The outcome of the primary election has already sent strong political signals across Delta State, with political observers describing the victory as a major shift in the political dynamics of Aniocha South ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supporters, youths, women groups, and party faithful took to various communities in celebration following reports that Igbiki dominated the exercise across several wards in the constituency.
From Ogwashi-Uku to Ubulu-Uku, Nsukwa, Ewulu, Ubulu-Unor, Ejeme-Aniogor, Adonte, Ishiagu, Ashama, and other communities, jubilant supporters hailed the outcome as a victory for the grassroots and a rejection of political intimidation and imposition.
Viral videos circulating on social media also captured dramatic scenes of youths and supporters resisting alleged attempts to manipulate the electoral process during the exercise.
The development comes amid heightened political tension within the constituency as party stakeholders and supporters await official confirmation from the APC leadership.
Speaking after the exercise, Igbiki Cyril Chiedozie expressed deep gratitude to the people of Aniocha South for what he described as an overwhelming display of confidence, courage, and commitment to democracy.
“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 stated.
According to him, the victory belonged not just to him but to the courageous people of Aniocha South who stood firm to defend democracy and the sanctity of the people’s mandate despite challenges and pressure.
“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 added.
The APC candidate commended party members, community leaders, women groups, and particularly the youths of Aniocha South for resisting intimidation and refusing to allow the electoral process to be hijacked.
“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 said.
Igbiki further alleged that several attempts were made to pressure him into stepping down before the primary election but maintained that he remained in the race because he strongly believed leadership should 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.
According to him, the outcome of the primary clearly reflected the people’s desire for fresh ideas, purposeful leadership, youth inclusion, infrastructural development, empowerment, quality representation, and accountable governance.
He assured constituents that the mandate entrusted to him would strengthen his commitment to serve the people of Aniocha South with transparency, courage, integrity, and dedication if elected into the Delta State House of Assembly.
“This mandate is a call to service, sacrifice, accountability, and responsible leadership,” he noted.
The APC candidate also called for unity among party members and supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the struggle was not about personal ambition but about defending democracy and protecting the voices of ordinary people.
“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 may significantly reshape the political landscape in Aniocha South as momentum continues to build around the youthful politician’s growing grassroots appeal.