By Chinedum Treasure
Anambra Patriots has urged people of the state to chart a new path in the political history of Anambra State and South East in general.
National Convener, and Managing Director, Anambra State Bureau of Public Procurement, Arc Okey Ezeobi gave the advice in Awka during the group’s General Assembly meeting and official opening of the new secretariat.
He said it was high time people of the Southeast strategized to ensure a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction.
According to him, the Igbo Nation needs to dialogue with other geopolitical zones on the prospects of producing the President after the North has served out its own eight years tenure.
He said, “It is impossible for the Igbo Nation to produce the President, with only five states in the South East,
“We cannot get simple majority for the Presidency of this country considering that we only have five states and with the votes from a Northern state like Kano which is bigger than the entire votes from the South East put together.
“We the Igbos must sit down to dialogue or discuss with other parts of the country just like late President Muhammadu Buhari did by interfacing with other geopolitical zones after losing election twice.
“Igbo Presidency is not about emotions and sentiments, but negotiations, which include involvement of other sections of the country and signing of agreement to ensure victory at the poll.”
Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Political Matters, Dr Alex Obiogbolu said APGA has always supported the party at the centre, assuring similar scenario come 2027 general election.
“You are all aware that our party has always supported the party at the center. Mr Peter Obi as Governor supported President Goodluck Jonathan and Willie Obiano also supported President Muhammadu Buhari. APGA will equally support President Bola Tinubu.
“When you look at the political equation it is improper for the Southern Nigeria to go for only one term in office because when the North lost their President we applied the doctrine of necessity and instead of the North completing their tenure it went to the South.
“But it was later returned to the North and they served for eight years so it would be unfair for us in the South to serve for only four years and you know that the power sharing system is tailored between the North and the South ” he noted.
Obiogbolu seized the occasion to announce his intention to contest for Anambra North Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, and solicited for their unflinching support to actualize his senatorial ambition.
Earlier, National Chairman of the group, Ozo Ejiamatu Damian Enekwechi said the meeting was opportunity to appreciate the 326 ward coordinators for their roles in returning Soludo for second term.
He said, “We believe in the slogan of whoever that ruled well should be returned. You’re our foot soldiers. We were 56 support groups as at the last count before the November poll. Even husband and wife formed a group.
“Many of such groups were formed with the aim of make money from the election, but they were disappointed and had since collapsed. But we’re still standing.
“For us, our group was not formed to make money, but to make sacrifice, financially and otherwise. Our interest is on whoever that would offer good governance and accountability to the people.
“Next election is on the corner. We’re still available for any candidate. The way we delivered Soludo, we’ll deliver such Candidate, regardless of the location. Our interest is on character and ability to deliver good governance.”
Enekwechi however warned leaders of the group at various levels to take their responsibilities seriously, warning that inactivity would not be tolerated.
“For our ward chairmen, we won’t tolerate laxity. If we found out you’re underperforming, we’ll replace you. We’ve removed some. The same with members.
“Our appointment is based on character and competence not relationship and nobody is above the law,” he cautioned.
