Governor Soludo/APGA Sets New Course For Reform At South-East Stakeholders’ Meeting 

CHRISTIAN ABURIME

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has signaled a sweeping era of internal reform and “re-engineering” following a historic South-East Zonal Stakeholders’ meeting. Described by party leaders as the first gathering of its kind in over two decades, the summit served as a platform to announce radical changes aimed at ending “mercenary politics” and institutionalizing transparency.

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the National Leader and a key driver of the party’s re-engineering charge, delivered a blunt message on the cost of systemic change. He called for an immediate end to the “trade by barter” approach to politics, where the party is used merely as a temporary platform for personal ambition.

“APGA became the first party to digitize its register in 2024, ensuring a 21-day submission window as required by law. Every registered member 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”, he stated.

“We must build this party to be a proper movement, not a mercenary platform,” Soludo declared. “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.”

To address long-standing growth hurdles, the Governor proposed a return to the “student days” model of political association, where members contribute via dues to maintain good standing. A dedicated committee will be established to design a sustainable funding mechanism, moving the party away from a business-dependent model that Governor Soludo argues has hindered its expansion.

The Governor concluded with a charge to members to commit to the party’s long-term survival, urging 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, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa outlined the party’s roadmap to modernization, leveraging the new Nigeria Electoral Act, highlighting the new regime to include; Digital Registration, Direct Primaries, Option A-4, and Abolishing Bundled Forms.

“The party officially adopted the Option A-4 mode for primaries to ensure maximum visibility and fairness. In a move 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”.

Ezeokenwa also issued a stern warning to party executives: a new Code of Conduct will strictly regulate neutral behavior. Any officer wishing to campaign for a specific aspirant must resign their position immediately.

Earlier, the State Chairman, Barr. Ifeatu Obiokoye noted the unprecedented nature of the meeting, thanking stakeholders for their swift response to the call for unity.

National Vice Chairman (South East) of the party, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, echoed this sentiment, describing APGA as the “beautiful bride” of Nigerian politics and a core symbol of South-East identity. However, Ehiemere offered a candid assessment, noting that while the party remains stable, its growth has been unfortunately concentrated, necessitating a new strategic direction.

Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, aspirants and stakeholders, attended the event.