By Ukpa Ewa
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Charles Soludo on Student Matters, Mr Okoye Matthew Okpala, popularly known as NWA Soludo, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area in the forthcoming local government elections under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Mr Okpala made his declaration at the APGA Regional Secretariat Complex in Awka, where he purchased his Expression of Interest Form in the presence of supporters and party faithful.
Speaking during the declaration, Okpala described his ambition as a youth driven movement aimed at repositioning governance at the grassroots level. He stressed that the time has come for young people to assume leadership responsibilities and contribute actively to community development.
According to him, Anambra East Local Government Area, which comprises Aguleri, Igbariam, Nando, Nsugbe, Umueri, Umuoba-Anam, Enugu-Otu, Eziagulu-Otu, Ikem-Ivite, Mkpunando-Otu and Otuocha, requires visionary leadership to unlock its development potential.
Okpala maintained that effective leadership at the local government level demands education, financial stability, physical and mental capacity, as well as political experience, noting he he possesses all the qualities.
“They say I am fatherless, but I say I have a father in Governor Soludo. Other contestants may be his friends, but I am his son. This is Youth O’clock,” he stated.
He commended Governor Soludo’s administration for prioritising youth development, citing the employment of over 11,000 youths and infrastructural transformation across the state as evidence of people oriented governance.
Describing himself as a committed grassroots politician, Okpala pledged to take development closer to the people if elected. He insisted that he would not step down for any aspirant, noting that his ambition represents the collective mandate of the people of Anambra East.
He called on youths, community leaders and stakeholders across the local government area to support his aspiration.
Meanwhile, the APGA has outlined a three-stage process for selecting candidates for the local government elections. The process includes the purchase of Expression of Interest forms, screening of aspirants and nomination of candidates. The party also disclosed that women and persons living with disabilities are entitled to purchase the forms at 50 percent discounted rate.
APGA further noted that its activities are aligned with the timetable of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), with the party expected to conclude nominations on or before February 16, 2026, before presenting successful candidates to the commission.
