The South-East zonal leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged through a consensus arrangement at a well-attended congress held in Enugu.
The congress, which took place on Wednesday at Hotel Presidential, brought together key party leaders, including Governors Hope Uzodimma, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and Francis Nwifuru, alongside other top stakeholders.
The exercise produced a new zonal executive led by Ijeoma Arodiogbu as chairman, following the adoption of consensus candidates by delegates.
Setting the tone for the congress, Uzodimma, who also chairs the Southeast Governors’ Forum, stressed unity and national progress.
“We are here for our country,” he declared, adding, “I bring you greetings from the leader of our great party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to assure you that Nigeria is moving forward and our economy is progressing.”
He further explained the decision to adopt consensus, saying:
“In line with Article 20.1 of our constitution, we have agreed to move our zonal congress by consensus. This is to ensure unity and allow our members to return home on time.”
Proceedings advanced with a motion by Governor Nwifuru to dissolve the existing zonal executive, seconded by Senator Patrick Ndubueze.
Following the dissolution, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, presented the list of consensus candidates for adoption.
“The vice chairman consensus candidate for our party in the Southeast zone is Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu,” Kalu announced.
“I hereby move that these names be adopted as the consensus candidates for this zonal congress,” he added.
Kalu also moved motions to formally adopt consensus as the mode of the congress in line with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, and to ratify outcomes of earlier ward, local government, and state congresses across the region.
The motions were seconded by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Eugene Uchenna Ugwu, and overwhelmingly approved by delegates.
Other members of the newly constituted zonal executive include Chief Innocent Itakpa Azuoba (Secretary), Barrister Rex Mayor Ogbonna (Legal Adviser), Hon. Henry Onwughalaonye (Publicity Secretary), Barrister Chima Kenneth Ogbonnaya (Youth Leader), Dr. Nwachukwu (Leader for Persons with Disabilities), Dr. Oby Aji (Woman Leader), and Chief Arinze Ikedife (Organising Secretary).
In his remarks, Governor Mbah described the congress as a strong signal of unity within the party in the region.
“APC in the Southeast is solid. Our presence here today is a testament to the fact that APC is Southeast and Southeast is APC,” he said.
“We have shamed the naysayers and critics who predicted implosion. After this congress, we will emerge stronger and more united as a party.”
He also commended President Tinubu for what he described as “audacious and expedient reforms,” noting that they are positioning Nigeria for economic growth.
The congress witnessed a large turnout of party stalwarts, including former Senate President Ken Nnamani, APC Deputy National Chairman (South) Emma Eneukwu, and several lawmakers such as Senators Osita Izunaso, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Uche Ekwunife, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Kelvin Chukwu, and Osita Ngwu.
Also present were Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiru Onyejeocha; former Minister Chris Ngige; and Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, among other stakeholders.
The successful congress is widely seen as a strategic move to consolidate the APC’s structure in the South-East ahead of its forthcoming national convention.
