Soludo Hails Emergence of Obiokoye as Anambra APGA Chairman, says Party not Factionalized

By Praise Chinecherem

Governor of Anambra State and National Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has reiterated that no faction existed in the party, insisting that APGA has remained strong under his leadership.

He said the leadership unwavering commitment to the party has tremendously helped to position it as a force to reckon with in the country.

Soludo spoke at the Anambra State 2023 Congress for newly elected officers of the party held at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center, Awka where Barr. Ifeatu Obiokoye emerged as the State Chairman of the party.

Obiokoye emerged after being unanimously elected to the position during the Congress.

Soludo congratulated Obiokoye for his resounding victory, just as he thanked the party’s outgoing National Chairman, Chief Victor Oye, and Anambra State APGA Chairman, Sir Nobert Obi, for steering the party safely to its present height as the third largest party in the country

Soludo said, “Some of you have paid your dues to APGA, the first party with progressives in its name, which will lead Nigeria to the promised land.

“We are inviting other progressives to join the grand alliance because true leadership requires all progressives to work together.

“Those who left are now in transit. We’ll open our hands wide to welcome them back to the party when the wind blows.

“You will go into the political wilderness if you leave APGA the way some people did.

“All progressives call APGA home. I congratulate all 326 wards represented here today, as well as all statutory members, on the successful ward and LGA congresses. They were democratic, and the people’s voice was heard.

“I congratulate you all on being successful delegates from each ward and unanimously choosing the personality to lead you.

“On Wednesday next week, the national convention will hold and a new leadership will be elected.

“We will be eternally grateful to everyone who has served and remained faithful to this party.

“Some call APGA a spirit, while others call it a movement.” We refer to it as a progressive movement.

“I commend all aspirants who ran and did not win but remained true to the ideals of the party. APGA is Anambra, and Anambra is APGA.

“Anambra will continue to grow from strength to strength under APGA!”

“I also want to congratulate you all on your tremendous success in the recent election, particularly in the Anambra House of Assembly.

“There was a huge wind that blew, but APGA remains firm.”

In his vote of thanks, the newly elected State Chairman of the party, Obiokoye pledged his commitment to discharge his duties effectively and ensure the party remains in harmony, growing from strength to strength.

Other officers that emerged alongside Barr. Obiokoye include; State Deputy Chairman – Mr. Paul Uzor, State Vice Chairman South – Surplus Ezewuzie, State Vice Chairman North – Odinaka Azubuike Ozoechina, State Vice Chairman Central – Chief Nduka Ubi Okoye, State Secretary – Levi Obiadu, Asst. State Secretary – Ekene Nnadinma, State Treasurer – Mrs Veronica Uche Nweke, State Asst. Treasurer – Mr Uche Maduekwe, State Financial Secretary – Josephson Okezie, Asst. Financial Secretary – Nnamdi Ifejika, Publicity Secretary – Mofunanya Ikechukwu Peter and Asst. Publicity Secretary – Nze Ikechukwu Okoye.

Others are; Legal Adviser – Barr. Innocent Izuchukwu Okafor, Asst. Legal Adviser – Barr. Victor Onwumelu, Welfare Secretary – Hon. Chikaodili Nonyelu, Asst. Welfare Secretary – Martin Otika, Organizing Secretary – Sylvanus Udezuka, Asst. Organizing Secretary – Iykon Okoli, Women Leader – Mrs Esther Onyekwesi, Asst. Women Leader – Mrs. Chinwe Umerie, Youth Leader – Tochukwu Obiadi, Asst. Youth Leader – Hon. James Anagor Chukwuemeka, Auditor – Oraegbunam Uchenna, Asst. Auditor – Barr. Chidi Anasiudu, State Empowerment & Disability – Mrs. Gloria Udevi, Asst. State Empowerment & Disability – Mrs. Amaka Okoli, Ex Officio – Kizito Onunkwo, Ex Officio – Barr. Ugo Ibeneme and Ex Officio – Osundu Ozumba.

Shortly after the administration of the oath of office on the newly elected officers, they all pledged to devote all of their time, skills, and resources to serving the party.

The state congress was observed and witnessed by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC (EPM). The officials were lef by the HOD EPM Mr Emmanuel Isong, Nkiru Gibson, Ajunwa Kingsley and Nonso Okolo

Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uchenna Okafor, Deputy Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. Paschal Agbodike, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, APGA State Working Committee, Members of APGA Board of Trustees, State APGA State Caucus, APGA Delegates, INEC officials, among others attended the Congress.