South East APC unites, elects Arodiogbu as zonal chair

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South East on Wednesday held its zonal congress in Enugu, producing a new executive led by Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu through a consensus arrangement widely described as smooth and strategic.

The exercise, which took place at Hotel Presidential, drew party leaders and stakeholders from across the five states of the region. It began with the dissolution of the outgoing zonal executive before the adoption of a fresh leadership in line with the party’s constitution.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who played a leading role in the process, said the decision to adopt consensus was aimed at strengthening unity within the party.

“We are here for our country. 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.

“In line with our constitution, we agreed to conduct this congress by consensus to ensure unity and allow our members to return home on time,” he said.

Following a motion for dissolution moved by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru and seconded by Senator Patrick Ndubueze, the stage was set for the emergence of new leaders.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, formally presented the list of consensus candidates for adoption.

“The vice chairman consensus candidate for our party in the South-East zone is Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu. I hereby move that these names be adopted,” he said.

The motion, along with others endorsing the consensus method and ratifying earlier ward, local government, and state congresses, was seconded by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Eugene Uchenna Ugwu, and overwhelmingly approved by delegates.

Other members of the new zonal executive include Chief Innocent Itakpa Azuoba as secretary; Rex Ogbonna as legal adviser; Henry Onwughalaonye as publicity secretary; Chima Ogbonnaya as youth leader; Dr Nwachukwu as leader for persons with disabilities; Dr Oby Aji as woman leader; and Chief Arinze Ikedife as organising secretary.

In his remarks, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah described the congress as a clear signal of unity and renewed strength within the APC in the region.

“APC in the South-East is solid. Our presence here today shows that the APC is South East and South East is APC.

“We have disappointed those who predicted a crisis. After this congress, we will emerge stronger and more united,” he said.

He also commended President Tinubu’s reforms, saying they are gradually repositioning the country’s economy.