In a politically charged atmosphere that resonated with unity and resolve, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) family in Anambra West gathered for a crucial stakeholders’ meeting aimed at fostering cohesion and reinforcing grassroots mobilization ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election. The event, which drew an impressive array of party faithful and dignitaries, became a platform for frank discussions, reconciliatory gestures, and renewed commitment to the reelection bid of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
The meeting was graced by top-ranking political figures, including the former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chinedu Emeka; Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne; the member representing Anambra West in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Patrick Udoba; State Deputy Chairman of APGA, Chief Paul Uzor; Mayor of Anambra West LGA, Hon. Fidelis Nnazor; Deputy Mayor, Mrs. Edith Ndive; Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government, Hon. Ike Obiesili; Women Leader, Mrs. Nneka Nwachigwe; Secretary to the Local Government, Mrs. Maureen Nwakasi; councillors, supervisors, youth leaders, and ward executives from across the LGA.
Setting the tone for the deliberation, Commissioner TonyCollins Nwabunwanne called for deeper party loyalty and emphasized that the era of rewarding political disloyalty was over. In a symbolic gesture, he presented a tricycle (keke) to Dr. Paul Okolo, a former school principal and dedicated party man, assured that other loyal members would soon receive motorcycles, shuttle buses, and other empowerment packages. He urged that party meetings in the LGA be held monthly instead of every two months, particularly in this critical election period. Stressing the importance of electoral readiness, he encouraged members to ensure they had their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and to collaborate across party lines to increase voter strength in the area.
Adding his voice to the call for unity, Dr. Chinedu Emeka dismissed swirling rumours about his alleged defection, reaffirming his identity as a founding and full-time member of APGA. He reminded the gathering that there was every reason to be proud now that APGA holds power and expressed his willingness to lead reconciliation efforts where grievances exist. He cautioned against adopting the unorthodox political styles of rival parties, stressing the importance of preserving APGA’s unique political culture.
Echoing this sentiment, Mayor Fidelis Nnazor assured that transparency remained the hallmark of his leadership in the local government. He noted that all communities in Anambra West would benefit from ongoing electrification projects and announced plans to procure shuttle buses to ease local transportation. While assuring the party of his commitment to due process in public spending, he called for unwavering support for Governor Soludo, stating that a 100 percent vote return from the LGA would ensure more development from the state government.
Prominent APGA stakeholder Chief Sunday Onuora (Iyi) addressed lingering rumours of defections and pre-written results allegedly being pushed by the opposition APC. He brushed aside such fears as familiar tactics, recalling that even when a former deputy governor decamped in the past, APGA still emerged victorious. He noted that the real challenge was the prolonged absence of stakeholder meetings, which created a vacuum that bred misinformation. He assured members that Governor Soludo remains firmly rooted and active in the political terrain.
Chairman of APGA in Anambra West, Hon. Romanus Egwuatu reinforced the importance of unity and performance, warning that it would be disappointing if Soludo loses even a single ward in the LGA given the governor’s contributions. He tendered an open apology to any stakeholder who felt sidelined during the last state convention, underscoring his desire for inclusivity.
Another voice of clarity came from Hon. Simon Onuora, who argued that the recent handshake between President Bola Tinubu and Governor Soludo was a matter of protocol and not a political endorsement. He stressed that Soludo’s performance alone gives APGA a commanding edge.
Lending weight to the discussion, Sir Kennedy Mmoya commended the governor’s visible strides in fulfilling his campaign promises. He urged members to remain vigilant and not fall prey to deceptive tactics by individuals spreading misinformation to destabilize the party.
Chief Augustine Chukwurah, popularly known as the “Double Chairman,” contextualized the perceived tension in the political atmosphere, saying it was typical during election seasons. He warned against the pattern of rewarding political opportunists at the expense of loyal supporters and praised APGA’s approach of extending mobilization resources for actual work, unlike parties that treat it as a windfall for personal gain.
Contributing to the forward-looking tone, Chief Augustine Ezeolisa, a former PDP chieftain, implored Anambra West APGA members to deliver more votes than any other local government in the state. His call for outstanding electoral performance found reinforcement in the voice of Christopher Ikwegbuo (Aska, Mmiata), who urged members to prioritize the governor’s reelection above personal ambitions, insisting that the LGA still needs deeper government attention.
Hon. Silver Albert took a reflective tone, reminding members of the party’s growth trajectory and the importance of consistent engagements to sustain progress. Speaking for the ward chairmen, Prince Victor Okolo proposed a strategy of grassroots-driven campaigns, urging members to start canvassing support from their own families and assisting those in need as a way to build trust and loyalty.
In a concluding message that captured the overall spirit of the meeting, Speaker of Anambra West Councillors, Hon. Sunday, Anago declared the total readiness of councillors to work toward a comprehensive APGA victory. The stakeholders unanimously resolved to intensify mobilization efforts and uphold the unity and discipline that have defined APGA’s identity in Anambra West.
As the 2025 governorship election approaches, the meeting stood out as a bold statement of purpose and a resounding endorsement of Governor Soludo’s leadership—proof that in Anambra West, APGA remains not just a party, but a movement.
