The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the November 8 election in Anambra State, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has expressed confidence that the party will emerge victorious, saying Saturday’s by-elections will serve as a litmus test of the APC’s strength ahead of the governorship poll.

The August 16 by-election will be held in the Anambra South Senatorial Zone to fill the seat left vacant by the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who died last year in London, and in the Onitsha North, I State Constituency to replace the late Hon. Justice Azuka, who was abducted and later killed in December 2024.

Addressing leaders of various markets in Awka on Sunday, Ukachukwu declared that nothing would stop the APC from taking over Anambra, stressing that the outcome of the senatorial by-election would reveal who truly controls the state’s political structure.

“We will start with Saturday’s Anambra South Senate election and after that, we will know who is in charge of Anambra. We will use that senatorial election to test our popularity,” he said.

Ukachukwu also emphasised that developing Anambra’s markets should be a priority for any administration, noting that a large percentage of the state’s residents depend on trade for their livelihood.

“I will govern with dignity, and this is a time for action. Providing what the people need is not a favour. If I become governor, one of you will be appointed Commissioner for Trade and Industry. It doesn’t matter if the person speaks English or not — I will ensure it is someone from among you who understands the markets,” he pledged.