Chris Ngige, the former Minister of Labour and Employment, expressed his belief that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious in the 2025 governorship election in Anambra, thereby taking over power from the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Speaking at his residence in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area, during the distribution of palliatives to party members, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly, Ngige acknowledged the existence of two factions within the APC in the state.
However, he assured that the party would reconcile with aggrieved members before the election, emphasizing his role as both the father and face of the APC in Anambra. Ngige also acknowledged the influx of new members into the party but highlighted the challenge of integrating them with the old members who have dedicated their efforts to the party’s growth.
The long-standing members of the party have dedicated their efforts to its growth and development, starting from their time in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD), then the Action Congress (AC), followed by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and finally culminating in the birth of the All Progressives Congress (APC). These transitions have been undeniable and evident.
However, in the realm of politics, disagreements are common, and if you do not find common ground, there are consequences to bear. In the 2021 election, we did not reach an agreement, and the repercussions were clear.
Nevertheless, this time, the party’s leadership, both at the governmental and party levels, consists of seasoned politicians who are well-versed in the intricacies of politics. According to Ngige, this will be rectified. He expressed his optimism that the APC will successfully resolve its internal conflicts and work towards taking over the state in 2025.
He emphasized that victory cannot be achieved without hard work and warned against the outdated practice of manipulating election results in hotel rooms.
Ngige’s optimism stems from his belief that without optimism, one may consider suicide as the only option. He remains hopeful that by 2025, the party will restore order within its ranks.
He urged party members to remain steadfast, fulfill their roles as foundation members, and demonstrate tolerance towards others by guiding them in the right direction. Ngige mentioned that he is currently on sabbatical and resting, but he plans to decide on his next course of action by May 2025.
Chief George Moghalu, a former managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and an APC chieftain in Anambra, cautioned against the imposition of candidates for the 2025 governorship election in the state.
He urged new party members to join the queue, as any deviation from this process would hinder the party’s chances of producing Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s successor.
Moghalu highlighted the irony of a tenant evicting the landlord. It is important to note that the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the palliatives distributed included bags of rice and tubers of yam, among other items.
