In a spirited address delivered in Awka on Saturday during the commissioning of the APC state secretariat, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, outlined a bold vision for the Southeast. He promised that, come November, the party would work to “connect Anambra state to the centre of Nigeria’s government” and ensure that the Southeast no longer misses out on national governance.
Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd gathered at the event—whose state secretariat was procured, equipped, and furnished by two governorship aspirants, including frontline candidate Professor Obiora Okonkwo—Ganduje stressed that embracing the APC was the easiest way for the region to rejoin the national political grid.
In his address, Ganduje declared:
“We are here to inaugurate the party secretariat and to hold a meeting with stakeholders to discuss issues, obtain ideas, and take resolution to ensure where we are going. 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 have five states, and we pray for more states for you (South East), but you must strive to connect to the centre.
“We want to connect you to the center. We want to plug you into 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 continued by highlighting the concrete outcomes of current reforms:
“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.”
The atmosphere in Awka was electric as party aspirants and supporters rallied behind these promises. Frontline governorship aspirant Professor Obiora Okonkwo, whose contributions helped equip the newly commissioned secretariat, stepped forward to reinforce the APC’s commitment to winning the November 8 election in Anambra. In a confident pledge, he stated:
“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.”
Frontline Governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra state, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo exchange pleasantries with National Chairman of the party, Dr. Umar Ganduje as he arrived at the airport in Anambra en route to the commissioning of the state secretariat of the parry at Awka, Saturday.
Both speeches emphasized a vision of reconnecting the Southeast to the national framework by tapping into the resources, talent, and inherent nationalistic spirit of the Igbo people. Ganduje’s call to “plug into the national grid” resonated deeply with the party faithful, who see the APC as the bridge between regional aspirations and national governance.
As the meeting concluded, there was a palpable sense of unity and purpose. Party leaders and stakeholders left with renewed commitment to ensuring that Anambra and the broader Southeast benefit from the economic and developmental dividends of being fully integrated into Nigeria’s political centre.
With the November election fast approaching, the APC is now intensifying its campaign efforts in Anambra, leveraging both its infrastructural promises and the fervent support of its grassroots. The success of these initiatives, leaders believe, will not only transform governance in Anambra but also serve as a model for other southeastern states striving for greater national integration.
