From Chuks Moses, Awka
Chief Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, an Enugu based Senior lawyer and a founding member of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) has been elected the new Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State.
His emergence, though appearing unanimous, wasn’t without grumbles from chieftain, who did not want to be named, who accused the state governor of emasculated prominent party voices.
Members across the state at the Congress venue revealed that the new chairman will work 365 days of the year on his toes to heal bruised egod and wounds.
Some accused the governor of using his choice of the new helmsmen at different levels to clearly announce his alleged vow not to share or savour his position with anyone at all.
It was further alleged that his hatchet man unilaterally subverted the choice of candidates/leaders chosen by members from the various communities, councils and zones.
Accusations were rife that in some instances, “stark illiterates, political neophytes and ‘yes’ men were foisted on the people by the governor without any form of consultation with established chieftains in the areas.”
Obi-Okoye’s emergence climaxed a week long top level political activities involving series of consultations, stakeholders/caucus meetings, wards, councils and zonal Congresses.
Ahead of his eventual emergence late evening Tuesday at the Prof. Dora Akuyili Women Development Centre Awka, venue of the congress, no fewer than fifteen (15) other aspirants offered to step down for him after series of meetings.
Prior to the announcement, the aspirants had taken turns to address the audience comprising of party delegates, members, supporters and observers including journalists and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced their decision to step down for Obi-Okoye.
Besides emerging as the new State chairman, Chief Obi-Okoye was the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of APGA and later Special Adviser on Political Matters to former Gov. Willie Obiano.
An elated Obi-okoye in an interview shortly after, said he would restore unity and fairness in the party.
He specially commended Gov Chukwuma Soludo who personally participated throughout the Congress, for fostering peaceful and credible process. He appealed to all, particularly other aspirants, to join hands with him to move the party forward.
A chieftain of the party, Hon. Mark Okoye, while commending the orderliness of party supporters during the exercise, says the 15 other aspirants stepped down for Obi-Okoye, for the sake of interest, peace and good governance of the party in the state.
He promised to work with the new Chairman to ensure a landslide victory for Gov Soludo’s second term in 2025.
