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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Former senator and 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Imo State, Athan Achonu, has announced his defection to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Achonu, who represented Imo East in the Eighth Senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja.
Declaring the move as necessary to align with a “truly progressive platform” capable of advancing the interests of the South East and Nigeria, he added that the Labour Party had lost its political relevance.
“I have officially defected from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Grand Alliance. This decision was not taken lightly. It was driven by my conviction that APGA remains a truly progressive platform with the potential to advance the collective interests of our people, especially in the South East and beyond,” he said.
He added that his move followed extensive consultations, saying, “This decision came after wide consultations with my constituents, political associates and well-meaning Nigerians who believe that the time has come to reposition our politics toward development, equity and justice.”
“I am calling on progressive governors, members of the state and national assemblies and all political actors across the South East, especially those aggrieved during the 2019 APGA gubernatorial primaries, to please forgive and forget and join hands with me to build and strengthen this party,” he said.
Calling for unity within APGA and across the region, he said: “Nation building requires unity of purpose and we must come together under platforms that prioritise development, equity and justice.”
On the creation of an additional state in the South East, the proposed Anioma State, Achonu declared full support, saying, “This is not about sectional interest. It is about inclusion, fairness and bringing our brothers and sisters in the South-South closer into a shared vision of progress.”
He urged key stakeholders “across the South East and beyond to lend their voice to this cause and ensure that this long-standing aspiration becomes a reality.”
The former senator also appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu on the case of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, saying restoring lasting “peace is essential for development and this is a step that can unite rather than divide.
“I appeal to the President to take a compassionate and statesmanlike look into the case of Nnamdi Kanu. Granting him pardon will go a long way in calming tensions and restoring peace in the Southeast.”
Turning to the economy and governance, he raised concerns about how increased revenues are being managed at the subnational level.
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“With increased allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy, Nigerians expect to see tangible improvements in infrastructure, living standards and social services. There must be accountability. Resources must be used for the benefit of the people,” he said.
Clamouring for urgent reforms in grassroots governance, he called for treatment of local government autonomy for grassroots. He emphasised that “local governments must not remain appendages of state governors. They must be empowered to function independently, with resources allocated directly to them and used for grassroots development.
“When local governments are truly autonomous, they can play a critical role in reducing insecurity, as they are closest to the people and understand local challenges better.”
He also urged the president to restrain governors from interfering in the work of ministers, thereby affecting governance.
“There are concerns that the leadership of the Progressive Governors’ Forum may be exerting undue influence on key ministers. Governance must be allowed to function without unnecessary interference,” he stated.
Reacting to the controversy around the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties, he also implored the President to ensure that the independence of institutions such as INEC is protected as “strengthening institutions will ultimately strengthen democracy.”
Addressing insecurity, the former lawmaker called for a bold shift in approach, including empowering citizens to defend themselves under regulation. “Regarding the issue of insecurity, I believe it is time to have honest conversations. Citizens should be allowed, within a regulated framework, to defend themselves.
“The idea of private armed security units should be properly developed and licensed. This will reduce the burden on conventional security agencies and also reduce the number of security personnel attached to politicians.
“Security must become a shared responsibility across all tiers of government,” he stated.
While suggesting structural reforms to improve governance efficiency, he added: “If governance at the current scale is proving difficult, then we must consider alternatives such as regional arrangements that can bring government closer to the people.”
The ex-lawmaker condoled with victims of insecurity, saying, “Your pain is our pain. I pray that God grants the departed souls eternal rest and gives their families the strength to bear these irreparable losses.” He assured them that the “president will take decisive steps to address the security situation and restore confidence across the country.”
He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, saying, “Nigeria is our only home. We do not have another country. This is why we must get it right. The decisions we make today will shape the future we hand over to the next generation.”
