Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on states in the South East region of Nigeria to connect to the national government through the ruling party. He made this call on Saturday in Awka, during the inauguration of the newly procured, equipped, and furnished APC state secretariat, sponsored by two of the party’s governorship aspirants, Mr. Paul Chukwuma and Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.
The inauguration comes as the party intensifies efforts for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8. The party’s aspirants, including Chukwuma, Okonkwo, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Chukwuma Umeoji, and Johnbosco Onunkwo, have all pledged to deliver the state to APC, should they be given the ticket.
Ganduje Highlights the Nationalistic Spirit of the Igbo People
During his address, Ganduje praised the Igbo people for their nationalistic contributions across Nigeria, stating that they are the most nationalistic tribe in the country. He stressed that to fully gain the benefits and dividends of a united Nigeria, the South East must align with the ruling APC and connect to the national grid.
“You are the most nationalistic people one can find anywhere in Nigeria. Everywhere you go, you must see the Igbo doing one thing or another, and that is what being nationalistic means. Why then do you want to cocoon yourself in one corner?” Ganduje asked.
He further encouraged the South East to return to the good old days when leaders like Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and Nnamdi Azikiwe worked for a united Nigeria. Ganduje promised that the APC will work tirelessly to ensure the region is integrated into the political mainstream.
President Tinubu’s Commitment to National Unity and Reforms
Ganduje also assured the gathering that President Bola Tinubu is committed to national unity and progressive reforms. He highlighted the administration’s efforts to tackle Nigeria’s challenges, including improving security, revitalizing refineries, and boosting oil production. The APC chairman emphasized the importance of the South East aligning with these national reforms by connecting with the ruling party.
“Some of the things that need to be reformed are being taken care of. That is the mark of a leader. A leader who can fix the broken, he does not talk anyhow, but talks with facts and figures, Tinubu is taking Nigeria to the next level,” Ganduje stated.
APC Aspirants Show Strength and Unity Ahead of Governorship Election
At the event, the APC governorship aspirants showcased their strength by mobilizing large numbers of supporters. Among them, Chukwuma and Okonkwo stood out as the most popular choices among party members. Both aspirants expressed confidence in leading the party to victory in the forthcoming governorship election.
Chukwuma, in his remarks, emphasized his commitment to connecting Anambra to the centre and ensuring APC’s victory. “Today marks the beginning of victory for APC in Anambra. We believe in our national chairman’s promise to connect Anambra to the centre, and I am the one who will give the party victory,” he declared.
Okonkwo echoed a similar sentiment, assuring party members of a robust and successful campaign. “I will lead the best and strongest campaign that will produce an APC governor. If you give me the ticket, I will give you the C of O of the Anambra government house,” Okonkwo vowed.
A Turning Point for APC in Anambra
The inauguration of the APC secretariat and the display of unity and determination by the party’s governorship aspirants signal a turning point for the APC in Anambra. As the state prepares for the November 8 election, the call for the South East to connect to the centre through APC is likely to shape the political landscape in the region.
