Anambra Leaders Forum (ALF) has appealed to Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji to declare his candidacy for the upcoming governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The forum made this known during a press conference addressed by its convener, Ozo Peter Nwafar, on Thursday in Abuja.

According to Nwafar, Umeoji’s extensive experience serving the people at different political levels has cemented his reputation as a leader with strong grassroots ties. His ability to engage effectively with local communities ensures that he understands the pressing needs of Anambrarians.

“Hon. Umeoji’s proven leadership and experience make him the ideal candidate to unify Anambrarians and secure victory against the incumbent, Governor Soludo,” Nwafar said. “His political success, including his track record of listening to the masses, makes him the candidate who will address real challenges faced by the people.”

The ALF convener criticized Governor Soludo’s administration, saying it has been marked by economic stagnation and an inability to fulfill key promises. “Issues ranging from unemployment to deteriorating infrastructure continue to plague the state. Umeoji presents a much-needed alternative—a leader with practical solutions to create jobs, improve local economies, and enhance security across the state.”

Nwafar announced that the ALF would volunteer to purchase the APC governorship nomination form for Umeoji, demonstrating their dedication to his candidacy.

“The Anambra Leaders Forum stands united in its commitment to ensuring Umeoji becomes the APC flagbearer. As a demonstration of our dedication, we will volunteer to purchase the APC governorship nomination form for Umeoji.

This gesture is a testament to our belief in his capacity to lead Anambra into a brighter future. His candidacy represents a fresh start for the state, with leaders and citizens alike eager for genuine progress”, he said.

The ALF convener emphasized that Umeoji’s political influence extends across constituencies, making him capable of garnering widespread votes and unseating the incumbent with ease. “His strong affiliation with the APC at the national level will also position Anambra for federal support and partnerships, creating more opportunities for the state’s development.”

Nwafar concluded by urging all Anambrarians to join the ALF in this critical mission for the future of their state.

“Anambra cannot afford another term under a leader disconnected from the needs of the people. Umeoji’s candidacy will galvanize a movement against the status quo, uniting Anambrarians in the pursuit of a prosperous and secure future.” He said.

The Legal Adviser of the South-South zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chukwuemeke Ogbuobodo, along with other zonal officers, has criticized the recent suspension of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, by the party’s local government executive in Bayelsa State. In a statement, Ogbuobodo labeled the suspension as illegal and void, asserting that the local executive lacks the authority to make such a judgment.

Ogbuobodo referenced the APC’s Constitution, specifically Article 21.3, which outlines the proper procedures for addressing complaints or allegations within the party. He emphasized that the local council executive must adhere to the rule of law and cannot position themselves as superior to others within the party. “APC is not a party for supermen but a party guided by rules of law,” he stated.

The suspension of Lokpobiri, along with the former gubernatorial candidate David Lyon, was announced in separate press briefings by the APC in the Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor local government areas. However, Ogbuobodo reminded those behind these actions that the entire state executive had been invalidated by a decision from the Bayelsa State High Court in Suit No YHC/16/2022.

He warned that the recent actions by the local government executive are not only contrary to the APC’s Constitution but also violate the laws of the land. To prevent further disruption in the party’s affairs, given the current vacuum created by the High Court’s judgment, Ogbuobodo stated that South-South APC leaders will promptly engage the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to appoint a caretaker committee. This committee will oversee the party’s activities in Bayelsa State until a new state executive can be elected.

Ogbuobodo’s statement underscores the ongoing internal conflicts within the APC in Bayelsa and highlights the legal complexities surrounding party governance in the region.

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on governments at all levels to enhance the living conditions of citizens in accordance with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended. This appeal comes in light of the increasing hardships faced by millions of Nigerians, which IPAC argues must be addressed to encourage greater political participation and lend credibility to the electoral process.

Speaking at the INEC Fourth Quarterly Consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja, National Chairman Yusuf Mamman Dantelle emphasized that urgent action is necessary to alleviate the suffering of the populace. He stated, “After 25 years of unbroken democracy, the state of the nation is sour. Nigerians are disillusioned. The rising cost of living and political tension have dampened citizens’ morale in the electoral process, resulting in low voter turnout in elections.”

Dantelle stressed that citizen participation is crucial for sustainable democracy, asserting that “power resides in the people.” He highlighted the need for an environment conducive to successful elections, political stability, economic growth, and public safety.

As the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State approaches, IPAC has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance its performance in this electoral cycle. The Council called for improved voter education, mobilization, and the promotion of free, fair, credible, transparent, and peaceful elections.

IPAC also advised political parties and candidates to engage in issue-based campaigns, avoiding any politics of bitterness. They requested that INEC address logistical challenges, including the timely arrival of election materials at polling units, and improve communication during the collation of results to prevent suspicions of manipulation.

The Council emphasized the essential roles of security agents, election observers, and the media in ensuring a successful election, urging them to act with responsibility and patriotism. They condemned the issue of vote trading, calling for the prosecution of those involved in vote buying and selling to restore trust in the electoral process.

IPAC concluded by expressing expectations for transparency and accountability in the conduct of the Ondo State elections, stating that these measures are vital for stimulating public confidence and encouraging increased voter participation.