The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has called on South-East states to strengthen their political connection to the federal government by integrating more actively with the ruling party.
Ganduje made this appeal in Awka on Saturday during the inauguration of the APC state secretariat, which was procured, furnished, and equipped by two governorship aspirants, Mr Paul Chukwuma and Prof Obiora Okonkwo.
The event also served as a platform for key APC governorship aspirants, including Chukwuma, Okonkwo, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Chukwuma Umeoji, and Johnbosco Onunkwo, to express their commitment to securing victory for the party in the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8.
Addressing party members, Ganduje described the Igbo people as the most nationalistic ethnic group in Nigeria and stressed the importance of their political alignment with the APC.
The APC chairman emphasised that for the South-East to gain increased political relevance, it must work towards greater alignment with the party at the federal level.
“We’re here to inaugurate the party secretariat and to hold a meeting with stakeholders to discuss issues, obtain ideas, and take resolutions to ensure where we are going," Ganduje stated.
“Of course, you know where we are going, it is the Government House.
“We must be focused, we must have plans, we must have vision, and I can see that the party in Anambra is fully aware of that.
“You (South-East) have five states, we pray for more states for you, but you must strive to connect to the centre.
“We want to connect you to the centre, we want to plug you to the national grid. Now, politically, you are under rural electrification, you are under generator and this is unacceptable, you need to 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?
“We want to take you back to the good old days of Ojukwu when he was pardoned to return to Nigeria in the interest of one Nigeria, the days of Nnamdi Azikiwe. I have resolved to do it and we have seen the vigour in you, the intention, and we will do it starting from Anambra.”
Ganduje further reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to national unity and reform, highlighting ongoing efforts to address pressing issues.
“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.
“We have already started seeing the effect of the reforms; more oil is being produced, security is improving, refineries are working, and our currency is improving. So, you need to be connected. We are here to seek your cooperation and commitment so that we can capture this state,” he said.
The event also witnessed a show of strength among governorship hopefuls, as each mobilised supporters to the inauguration. However, Chukwuma and Okonkwo appeared to have the strongest backing among party members.
Chukwuma declared his determination to secure victory for the party, stating:
“We are here because we want to take Anambra and connect her to the centre. Today marks the beginning of victory for APC in Anambra.
“Our national chairman promised to connect Anambra to the centre and we believe him. I’m happy for my brother contestants, we are happy they are in our party, but they should work with us to achieve victory. I’m the one who will give the party victory.”
On his part, Okonkwo pledged to lead a formidable campaign, saying:
“I am happy the party in Anambra has changed. 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.”