Anambra 2025: Era of writing election results in hotel room over – Ngige

By Praise Chinecherem

Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen Chris Ngige has expressed confidence in the ability of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State.

He admitted presence of two factions in the party in the state, but said the division would not stop the party from winning the election as aggrieved members would be pacified before the election.

Ngige spoke in his Alor country home in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state during distribution of over 5000 bags of rice, tubers of yams and other palliatives to party members, persons with disabilities and the aged.

Describing himself as father and face of APC in the state, Ngige, former governor of the state argued that victory was not won on platter but needed extra hardwork, warning that era of writing election results in hotel room was over.

He said, “Of course there’s APC 1 and APC 2 in the state. I won’t deny that. I’m both the father and face of APC in Anambra. I know for certainty there are some new comers who have been joining us since 2021.

“Because the party is like a church which you don’t stop people from entering; you don’t stop people from entering the party to look for salvation or to support government in power.

“But the challenge is the segregation because the new entrants don’t want to reckon with old members who have laboured for this party from the time we were in SDP, to ACD, to AC, to ACN and finally birthed as APC.

“These are facts that are undeniable and palpable. But in politics you disagree to agree and if you don’t agree you bear the consequences. We didn’t agree in 2021 election and the repercussion was clear.

“But it will be remedied this time. Party leadership both at the governmental level and party levels are mature politicians who are well versed with the intrigues.

“They’re not those running around in Abuja but people at the grassroots. If you run around with them, you risk getting 3000 to 5000 votes in a national or governorship election which doesn’t call for cheers.

“Why won’t I be optimistic? If you’re not optimistic in life, then suicide is the next option. I’m hopeful and optimistic that between now and 2025, we’ll put our house in order.

“We need to be steadfast. If you call yourself APC 1 or 2 it’s up to you. But if you’re APC 1, you live up to expectations of being a foundation member and demonstrate tolerance to others by showing them the light.

“For me, I’m still on sabbatical and resting. By next year May when I would have rested for one year, I’ll decide on my next line of action.’

Earlier, former Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Chief George Moghalu warned against imposition of candidate ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State.

He insisted that new entrants must join the queue as anything contrary would frustrate chances of the party in producing Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s successor.

Moghalu who was former national auditor of the party said it was an irony for a tenant to sack the landlord.

He thanked Ngige for his benevolence, particularly in distribution of palliatives to party members and other less privileged, praying for God’s blessings on him.

He also commended party faithful for their loyalty, suppport, commitment and dedication, assuring them of brighter future.

He said, “You had laboured and sacrificed a lot with various names labeled on you, yet you have remained because of the strong faith you have in the party.

“Don’t be afraid. No matter what the tenant does, he can’t sack his landlord from the house. If he’s angry, let him go and buy land elsewhere and leave the house for the owner.

“All of you here are landlords, no one has the capacity of sacking us from the party. The intruders will come and go as usual. We’ll only keep welcoming them because politics is about number. But they must queue on line.

“My position remains that committed membership must be identified. The era of recording a crowd of 2million in a rally, but scoring not up to 3000 in election is over. Same with writing election results in a room.

“Every primary must be free, fair and credible and the people’s choice must prevail and must be willing to queue behind the winner. This government must be fair to APC.”