The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) received a major boost in Oroma-Etiti community as prominent political figures from rival parties formally joined the ruling party, pledging their support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
The defection ceremony, which drew hundreds of party faithful and community members, saw Marcel Okaa-Chibuive (Okaa Njaliko), former chairman of Anam People’s Assembly Lagos branch and a Labour Party stalwart, alongside Lagos-based businessman Cyril Onowu Chidokwe, officially cross over to APGA. Their arrival represents a significant political realignment that strengthens the ruling party’s grassroots foundation in the community.
Marcel Okaa-Chibuive, widely known as Okaa Njaliko, brought considerable political weight to the ceremony given his leadership role in the Anam People’s Assembly Lagos branch. His departure from the Labour Party signals a notable shift in the community’s political dynamics. Similarly, Cyril Onowu Chidokwe’s defection carries particular significance due to his prominence as a Lagos-based businessman whose economic connections and influence are expected to bolster APGA’s development initiatives in the area.
The atmosphere at the ceremony was electric, with passionate speeches from party leaders welcoming the new members into the fold. Women Leader Udoku Nwachukwu, herself a former PDP member who previously made the journey to APGA, delivered a rousing address that captured the community’s growing allegiance to the ruling party. “With TonyCollins Nwabunwanne at the head, Oroma-Etiti belongs to APGA,” she declared, her own political transformation from PDP to APGA serving as a powerful testament to the party’s expanding appeal.
Building on this momentum, Sunday Okafor, the current ward Chairman, seized the opportunity to set ambitious political targets for the community. He boldly demanded 6,000 votes from Oroma-Etiti to ensure the area qualifies for an additional ward, directly linking political performance to community representation. “Now is the most auspicious time to give the state ruling party 100% support so as to get more dividends of democracy,” Okafor emphasized, drawing a clear connection between political loyalty and tangible development benefits.
Adding historical perspective to the proceedings, Christopher Okaa-Nwako, former APGA ward Chairman and one of the party’s founding members in the area, also addressed the gathering. His presence provided continuity between APGA’s early days in Oroma-Etiti and its current expansion, demonstrating the party’s sustained growth over time.
The event reached its crescendo when Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, took the podium as the keynote speaker. Drawing from his intimate knowledge of government operations, Commissioner Nwabunwanne delivered a comprehensive address that methodically outlined the achievements of Governor Soludo’s administration. He reminded the assembled crowd that Oroma-Etiti has been a direct beneficiary of the current government’s policies, from infrastructure development to improved social services.
“Oroma-Etiti is really benefiting from the present government and must show appreciation by giving the party overwhelming support,” the Commissioner stated, making an impassioned appeal that resonated throughout the venue. His speech effectively connected the dots between the community’s support for APGA and the tangible improvements they have witnessed in their daily lives.
This defection ceremony in Oroma-Etiti reflects a broader pattern of political consolidation occurring across Anambra State, where APGA continues to attract high-profile members from opposition parties. The combination of demonstrated government performance, strategic political appointments, and effective grassroots engagement appears to be strengthening the party’s electoral position significantly.
The successful integration of former Labour Party and PDP stalwarts into APGA’s ranks showcases the party’s remarkable ability to build inclusive, broad-based coalitions that transcend traditional political boundaries. Meanwhile, the ambitious vote targets articulated by local leaders suggest deep confidence in the party’s electoral prospects and organizational capacity.
As the ceremony concluded with renewed commitments from all attendees, it became clear that APGA’s influence in Oroma-Etiti has reached new heights. The day’s events demonstrated not just the party’s growing membership, but its ability to unite diverse political voices under a common vision for continued progress in both the local community and across Anambra State.
