By Gozie Ofonze, Awka
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has reaffirmed that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) remains united under the leadership of Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, despite recent internal challenges. Soludo, who also serves as APGA’s National Leader and Governor of Anambra State, addressed the issue of the party’s leadership crisis at the recent APGA Mega Rally held at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.
The rally marked the official launch of APGA’s campaign for the upcoming local government elections set for September 28, 2024. During his speech, Soludo made it clear that the party’s unity is intact, dismissing claims from detractors like Edozie Njoku.
In front of a massive crowd of supporters, Soludo proudly declared, “Anambra is APGA, and APGA is Anambra,” emphasizing the deep connection between the state and the party. He explained that the people of Anambra and APGA share an unbreakable bond focused on progress and development.
He pointed out that the local government election is not just a promise on paper but a commitment he has fulfilled, as he had pledged to conduct local government elections within his first two years in office.
Soludo also took aim at the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the party has no real presence in Anambra State. He pointed to the APC’s withdrawal from the local government elections as evidence of their fear of failure, suggesting that the party pulled out to avoid a humiliating defeat on September 28.
Governor Soludo outlined the opposition’s limited participation in the elections. He noted that the Accord Party only managed to field four chairmanship and eight councilorship candidates, while the Labour Party presented six chairmanship and twelve councilorship candidates. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fielded a stronger showing with eighteen chairmanship and 228 councilorship candidates. However, Soludo emphasized that none of these parties could compete with APGA, which successfully fielded candidates in all 21 local government areas and all 326 wards in Anambra State.
This, according to Soludo, is proof that APGA is not only the dominant political force in the state but also the party that the people trust to lead Anambra toward its political destiny. He stressed that the party’s widespread presence is a testament to the unwavering support of the people of Anambra.
As the local government elections approach on September 28, it remains to be seen how the opposition parties will fare against APGA. This election marks a historic moment for Ndi Anambra, as it will be the first local government election in the state since 2010 and only the second since the return of democracy in 1999. The people of Anambra are preparing to vote for their local government leaders, and all eyes are on the outcome.
