More than 2,000 supporters turned out for a massive All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) rally on August 30, delivering a powerful show of force for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election campaign in what organisers called an unprecedented demonstration of grassroots support.
The dual-purpose event, which combined political mobilisation with the traditional Otite Anam celebration, was hosted by Dr. Bobmanuel Okonmah in Ezi Anam ward and drew crowds that far exceeded all expectations, signalling robust party momentum ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election.
Drawing political heavy hitters from across the region, the event attracted Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Anambra West LGA, Hon. Fidelis Nnazor and Hon. (Mrs.) Edith Ndive. Deputy Mayor of Onitsha North Hon. (Mrs.) Ijeoma Ejegwa; Chief Alex Okonkwo, chairman of the Anam People’s Assembly (APA) and several other stalwarts were in attendance.
Ward Chairman Hon. Ekene Michael opened proceedings with a welcome address, followed by Ezi Anam Councillor, Emma Okafor Mmadukasi, who delivered the secondary welcome to the energized crowd.
The impressive turnout was further amplified by multiple political support groups that demonstrated their solidarity, including the Okosisi Political Movement, Adorable Ladies for Ife Anam, Umudora Anam Development Union women’s wing, elders of Umudora and Umuikwu Anam, and the Akalaka Youth Vanguard.
Setting the strategic tone for the gathering, former Anambra West Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Orji Okafor explained in his opening speech that “this event serves two purposes: an APGA rally and the celebration of Otite Anam.” While acknowledging the ward’s strong political cohesion—noting that “during elections, the ward does not suffer too much because almost everyone belongs to the party”—Okafor stressed the mobilization challenge ahead: “There is still work to be done, which is to talk to our friends and relatives to support the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.”
Building on this political foundation, Councillor Oroma-Etiti Anam and Anambra West Speaker Engr. Sunday Okonkwo highlighted local government achievements, recounting infrastructure developments including the provision of shuttle buses that have improved transportation in the area. Their remarks seamlessly transitioned to Deputy Mayor Hon. Mrs. Edith Ndive, who reinforced the administration’s commitment to grassroots development.
Taking centre stage with a comprehensive overview of achievements, Mayor of Anambra West LGA Hon. Fidelis Nnazor showcased Governor Soludo’s transformative initiatives, announcing that “1,000 sets of solar lights have been bought to be distributed in the entire Anambra West.” Nnazor also spotlighted expanded employment opportunities, revealing that “nurses have an opportunity for employment” under the current administration while citing bridges, hospitals, and other infrastructure projects as evidence of ongoing developmental progress across the region.
The governor’s marquee achievement in Anambra West remains the completion of the strategic 11.9km Mmiata-Anam-Nzam road, which has revolutionized connectivity to the local government headquarters. This critical infrastructure project has opened access to farms and rivers for other parts of Anambra State and neighbouring states despite challenging soil conditions. The road forms part of Soludo’s ambitious statewide infrastructure program, which encompasses 540 kilometres of roads under construction and 310 kilometres already completed.
Transitioning from infrastructure victories to electoral strategy, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne laid out aggressive electoral goals while assuring the crowd that “there is provision for everybody, both old and new members.” He revealed that “the LGA has almost 70,000 voters, and efforts must be put in place to ensure votes in Anambra West exceed 20,000 at least.”
This ambitious target represents a dramatic eleven-fold increase from the previous election’s disappointing 1,800 votes. Explaining the stakes in stark terms, Nwabunwanne noted that Soludo “will pay faster attention to those who gave him the highest number of votes instead of the 1,800 votes last time.”
Beyond electoral mathematics, the commissioner made specific commitments to local development, assuring Ezi Anam residents that “it is their turn and political positions must be evenly distributed.” Addressing immediate infrastructure needs, he pledged action on “the road leading down to Onono/Ukwubili” and announced that “the Anambra State Development Commission will come for inspection of the Onono/Ukwu-ubili road.”
Painting an ambitious vision for the area’s transformation, Nwabunwanne declared that “Ezi Anam will be the gateway of Anambra West when the road to Onono is done.” He emphasized party inclusivity while making a bipartisan appeal for people “irrespective of party affiliations, to re-elect Soludo for the betterment of now and future.”
The rally’s success was enhanced by the generous hospitality provided by Dr. Okonmah, who ensured adequate food and drinks for all attendees while also covering transportation fares for participants. Commissioner Nwabunwanne provided reasonable support for these logistical arrangements, demonstrating the collaborative effort behind the event’s smooth execution.
Meanwhile, Soludo’s achievements extend far beyond Anambra West, with his administration advancing development of three transformational projects: Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, and a new Industrial City. Officials have completed both the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City Master Plan and railway master plan feasibility study, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to state development.
The political significance of the gathering was further underscored as several new members formally joined APGA during the event. Party stakeholders and executives warmly welcomed the new entrants with assurances of full integration into the party structure, reflecting the party’s expanding appeal in the region.
Adding an emotional dimension to the political messaging, former Transition Committee Chairman Okafor made a heartfelt appeal for patience, urging constituents “to be patient with the governor if they feel there are still things not done yet because he will surely do more,” while referencing ongoing development initiatives across the region.
Throughout the proceedings, musical groups provided entertainment that added a festive atmosphere to political mobilization, reinforcing the event’s dual cultural and political significance and keeping the massive crowd engaged.
Bringing the rally to a triumphant close, event host Dr. Bobmanuel Okonmah expressed satisfaction with the massive turnout while reinforcing Governor Soludo’s commitment to Anambra West development. He challenged attendees to deliver maximum support, asserting that “re-electing the governor with massive votes will ensure that Anambra West demands are met faster.”
The extraordinary turnout positions APGA for strong performance in Anambra West, with local leaders expressing confidence in Soludo’s development record and ambitious transformation plans as the November 8 election approaches.
