The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has emphasized the importance of South-East states aligning with the ruling party at the national level. Speaking at the inauguration of the newly established APC state secretariat in Awka, Anambra State, Ganduje stressed that the party would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that Anambra is integrated into the national political structure by November 2024.
During his address, Ganduje highlighted the significant role of the Igbo people in Nigeria, describing them as the most nationalistic ethnic group in the country. He urged the South-East to strengthen its political position by joining the APC to fully benefit from national governance.
“We must be focused, we must have plans, we must have a vision. I can see that the party in Anambra is fully aware of this,” Ganduje stated. “You have five states, and we pray for more. However, to maximize your influence, you must connect to the center. We are committed to plugging you into the national grid. Right now, politically, you are under rural electrification—relying on generators. This is unacceptable. You need to be fully connected.”
Drawing historical references, Ganduje recalled the era of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s return to Nigeria and the legacy of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. He pledged to reinstate the South-East’s political relevance within the APC framework, starting with Anambra State’s gubernatorial election.
Anambra Governorship Aspirants Showcase Strength
The new APC state secretariat was funded and furnished by two prominent gubernatorial aspirants, Sir Paul Chukwuma and Prof. Obiora Okonkwo. Their contributions underscore their commitment to strengthening the party’s presence in Anambra and boosting its electoral prospects.
During the inauguration, the APC state chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, expressed concerns over the alleged neglect of loyal party members in the region regarding federal appointments. He called for a renewed effort to ensure that party faithful in Anambra receive their due recognition.
The governorship hopefuls took advantage of the event to display their mobilization capacity. Large crowds of supporters accompanied them, signaling their readiness to contest and win the upcoming election.
Sir Paul Chukwuma, in his remarks, stated, “We are here because we want to take Anambra and connect her to the center. Today marks the beginning of victory for APC in Anambra.”
Similarly, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo assured party members of his ability to lead a formidable campaign that would deliver an APC governor. “I am happy that the APC in Anambra has evolved. If given the ticket, I will run the strongest campaign and ensure victory. I will secure the Certificate of Occupancy for the Anambra Government House under the APC banner,” he declared.
Okonkwo further emphasized his longstanding contributions to the party’s growth, recalling his efforts in securing legislative seats for APC’s predecessor parties, Action Congress (AC) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), across the South-East region.
Another aspirant, Nicholas Ukachukwu, reinforced the importance of unity within the party. “I have been part of Anambra politics for decades, and everyone knows my contributions. I appreciate my brother, Paul Chukwuma, for providing this remarkable office for our party’s operations. It is essential for all of us to support the eventual APC candidate and ensure our collective success,” he stated.
APC’s Mission in Anambra
With the 2024 Anambra gubernatorial election approaching, the APC leadership is intensifying efforts to expand its foothold in the South-East. The party’s strategy includes uniting stakeholders, strengthening grassroots support, and presenting a formidable candidate capable of securing victory.
As the race for the party’s ticket heats up, aspirants are rallying their supporters, confident that APC can clinch the governorship seat and integrate Anambra into the national political structure.
