By Romanus Udekwe Okue-Agbomma
Dr. Victor Okoye’s recent exclusive interview with Multichannels247, an online newspaper, reveals a political realignment that extends far beyond individual party loyalty to represent a sophisticated endorsement of performance-based governance and its transformative impact on Anambra West’s long-neglected development trajectory. His decision to rejoin APGA after years of foray into unfamiliar political grounds provides compelling evidence of Governor Soludo’s capacity to attract experienced politicians through tangible achievements rather than empty promises.
The significance of Dr. Okoye’s return cannot be overstated when viewed against his extensive political credentials and historical contributions to APGA’s legislative success. His eight-year tenure as a House of Assembly member, including being a majority leader and crucial role in securing Peter Obi’s government majority in the House of Assembly, demonstrates his strategic value and deep understanding of legislative dynamics. His recruitment by Governor Obi to provide APGA with parliamentary majority during a critical period establishes his reputation as a decisive political figure whose allegiance carries substantial weight.
Moreover, his candid revelations about the circumstances of his departure under the Obiano administration provide valuable insights into the evolution of APGA’s internal governance culture. The contrast between his experience of being avoided and ultimately marginalised by Governor Obiano and his appreciation for Governor Soludo’s “roundtable discussion” approach illustrates fundamental improvements in party leadership style and conflict resolution mechanisms.
The interview demonstrates how effective governance can serve as the most powerful political recruitment tool. Dr. Okoye’s specific references to transformative infrastructure achievements in Anambra West—particularly the historic connection of the local government headquarters by tarred road—provide concrete evidence of Governor Soludo’s commitment to addressing decades of systematic neglect. His personal testimony of driving on the newly commissioned road adds authenticity and credibility to claims about the area’s transformation.
Furthermore, the political implications for Anambra West are profound and multifaceted. Dr. Okoye’s return brings substantial electoral assets, including his extensive network of supporters whom he has explicitly called upon to support Governor Soludo’s re-election. His strategic decision to subordinate personal political ambitions to the broader objective of ensuring Soludo’s second term demonstrates political maturity that could influence other ambitious politicians to adopt similar collaborative approaches.
The timing of his return, coinciding with Governor Soludo’s infrastructure commissioning visit to Anambra West, creates powerful symbolism that reinforces narratives of inclusive governance and responsive leadership. This convergence of political reconciliation with developmental achievements provides compelling evidence of an administration that can both deliver tangible benefits and heal political divisions through effective governance.
Additionally, Dr. Okoye’s emphasis on intergenerational responsibility—ensuring “our children will have a better story than ours”—resonates deeply with community aspirations and provides moral authority for his political choices. This framing elevates the discussion beyond immediate partisan considerations to encompass longer-term developmental objectives that transcend individual political careers.
His diplomatic approach to assessing the current federal constituency representative, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, whilst maintaining options for future evaluation, demonstrates sophisticated political thinking that avoids unnecessary confrontation while preserving strategic flexibility. This measured approach suggests a politician who has learned valuable lessons about timing and tactical restraint from his previous experiences.
The interview also reveals the personal reconciliation aspects that have facilitated his return, including restored relationships with former Governor Obiano and Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe. This demonstration of political maturity and forgiveness creates conditions for broader party unity and reduces internal conflicts that could undermine electoral effectiveness. His ability to separate personal grievances from party loyalty whilst maintaining principled positions on governance quality provides a template for other disaffected politicians considering similar transitions.
The broader implications for APGA’s political consolidation in Anambra West are significant. Dr. Okoye’s endorsement provides the party with enhanced credibility amongst voters who may have questioned the sincerity of government commitments to the area. His status as a respected local leader whose political choices are viewed as principled rather than opportunistic lends weight to arguments about Governor Soludo’s effectiveness.
His call for supporters to join APGA and work towards bringing Anambra West “at par with other parts of the state” articulates a vision of equitable development that addresses historical marginalisation whilst creating realistic expectations for continued progress. This messaging could prove particularly effective in mobilising voters who have traditionally felt disconnected from state-level political processes.
The strategic value of Dr. Okoye’s political experience in federal constituency campaigns cannot be understated. His knowledge of local political dynamics, organisational capabilities, and campaign strategies provides APGA with enhanced capacity for effective grassroots mobilisation. His decision to focus entirely on Governor Soludo’s re-election rather than pursuing personal ambitions demonstrates alignment between individual political interests and broader party objectives.
The interview ultimately illustrates how governance effectiveness can transform political landscapes by attracting previously alienated figures back into the ruling coalition. Dr. Okoye’s journey from APGA stalwart to opposition figure and back to party supporter provides compelling evidence of Governor Soludo’s capacity to build inclusive political coalitions through performance-based leadership rather than relying solely on traditional patronage or ethnic appeals.
This political homecoming represents more than individual reconciliation; it demonstrates the magnetic effect of successful governance on experienced politicians who can distinguish between substantive achievements and mere rhetoric. For Anambra West, Dr. Okoye’s return signals enhanced political representation, improved access to state resources, and greater integration into the broader APGA coalition that will determine the area’s developmental trajectory for years to come.
