We'll no longer encourage use of APGA as temporary platform for political ambition - Soludo

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By Madu Obi

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has said that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) would no longer encourage politicians who use it as a temporary platform to achieve their political ambition.

In a message delivered during the South East stakeholders meeting of the party in Awka, Professor Soludo called for an immediate end to what he called "trade by barter" approach to politics.

"We must build this party to be a proper movement, not a mercenary platform. The era of the 'gift-ticket' must now be over. We are rebuilding a party where loyalty matters and where tickets are not for sale", he said.

According to the governor, who is the national leader of the party, there will be sweeping internal reforms and re-engineering to institutionalize transparency in APGA.

He proposed a return to a model of political association, where members pay dues to maintain good standing, adding that a dedicated committee will be established to design a sustainable funding mechanism to move the party away from a business-dependent model.

He said further: "APGA was the first party to digitize its register in 2024, ensuring a 21-day submission window as required by law. Every registered member of APGA now holds the right to vote or be voted for. The party has officially adopted the Option A-4 mode for primaries to ensure maximum visibility and fairness

I therefore charge members to commit to the party’s long-term survival and the aspirants to focus on their chosen elective positions with integrity, rather than holding briefs or jumping between platforms.

With these reforms, APGA aims to transition into a disciplined, sustainable national movement built on the pillars of transparency, equity, and justice".

The national chairman of APGA, Mr. Sly Ezeokenwa outlined the party’s roadmap to further growth, leveraging the new Electoral Act, digital registration, direct primaries, Option A-4, and abolishing bundled forms.

"The party has officially adopted the Option A-4 mode for primaries to ensure maximum visibility and fairness. To ensure quality control, aspirants must now purchase an "Expression of Interest" form and pass a screening before being allowed to purchase a final nomination form", he said.

Ezeokenwa also reminded the party executive members that a new code of conduct will strictly require neutral behavior, warning that any officer wishing to campaign for a specific aspirant must resign his or her position immediately.

National Vice Chairman (South East) of the party, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, described APGA as the "beautiful bride" of Nigerian politics and a core symbol of South-East identity.

He, however, noted that while the party remains stable, its growth has been unfortunately concentrated, necessitating a new strategic direction.