By Sunny A. David
Pressure is currently being mounted on the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo to to dump All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA and join the All Progressives Congress (APC) in running for his second term, come 2025.
A source who would not want to be mentioned told our correspondent that series of delegations have been meeting the Governor for defection to APC to connect Anambra State to the centre.
According to the source, “I think APC is interested in getting Anambra State this time around. Big wigs in the party in the State and at the National are talking with the Governor to join us (APC).
“We are thinking that politically, it will be easier and cheaper to invest in a sitting Governor as our candidate in that election than bringing a greenhorn into the race.
“We’re talking with Governor and hoping that our discussion will be fruitful. But you know that from now to about November next year is a long time. Even 24 hours is a long time in politics, we are hopeful”, disclosed the source.
It however added, “But we have plan B, too. So, if the Governor doesn’t yield to our entreaties, we will look at our plan B. But what I’m assuring you today is that APC is interested in Anambra”, the source added.
Recall that leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South East have kicked off consultations with prominent Igbo leaders as a way to make inroads into the zone.
The South East National Vice Chairman of the party, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu recently led the party’s Zonal Organizing Secretary, Dozie Ikedife; one time Senator representing Anambra North, Senator Emma Anosike; and the Vice Chairman Anambra APC North, Emma Ekwuaju on a courtesy visit to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe at his palace.
Describing the Monarch as a man of excellent qualities, the APC leaders said the visit is based on the respect the people have for him, and the role he plays in leading the people aright.
Dr. Arodiogbu who addressed the Monarch on behalf of the leaders said, despite the seeming disapproval of the party by the Igbo, the surest way to link up with the centre and enjoy the dividends of democracy was to support APC, assuring that party has tremendous respect for the traditional institution.
Said he: “In my consultation into Igbo land to make the APC an acceptable party in the South-East, we must consult the likes of Igwe Achebe owing to the strategic importance of his throne and the good people of Onitsha.
“We have come here to associate ourselves with one of the finest rulers in Igbo land, and given such pedigree as paraded by the Obi of Onitsha, we know that Igwe Achebe is a man of several exceptional qualities. Qualities men like us would always love to associate with.
“I must say, that I am indeed awed by the level of intelligence and background knowledge of the Obi of Onitsha on various topical issues of Nigeria especially in the spheres of economy and security.
“Igwe, let me state that the APC under my watch will always respect and consider traditional rulers as important storehouses of wisdom and would regularly seek out such priceless counsel at all given times”, he said.
Igwe Achebe, who received the party leaders thanked Dr. Arodiogbu and his team for the visit, and wished them well in their consultations.