APC South-East Holds Zonal Congress in Enugu, Adopts Consensus Candidates, Elects Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu as Zonal Chairman
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East zone on Wednesday conducted its zonal congress in Enugu, with three governors from the region in attendance.
The congress, which experienced some delay before commencing, was attended by Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State. Their arrival later in the day was interpreted as a sign that the party leaders had successfully reached a consensus on the outcome.
The exercise produced a new zonal executive committee, with **Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu** (also referred to as Dr Ijeomah Linus Arodiogbu) emerging as the zonal chairman under the consensus arrangement.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the South-East Governors’ Forum, set the tone for the congress by stressing the need for unity and progress within the party.
“We are here for our country,” Uzodimma declared. He conveyed greetings from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and assured delegates that “Nigeria is moving forward and our economy is progressing.”
The Imo governor explained that the party leadership opted for consensus in line with Article 20.1 of the APC constitution.
“In line with Article 20.1 of our constitution, we have agreed to move our zonal congress by consensus. This is to ensure unity and allow our members to return home on time,” he said.
Governor Francis Nwifuru subsequently moved a motion for the dissolution of the previous zonal executive, which was seconded by Senator Patrick Ndubueze.
Following the dissolution, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, **Benjamin Kalu**, moved a motion for the adoption of the consensus candidates.
“The vice chairman consensus candidate for our party in the Southeast zone is Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu,” Kalu announced, before moving that the full list be adopted as the consensus candidates for the zonal congress.
He also moved additional motions for the adoption of consensus as the mode of the congress, in line with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, and for the ratification of the outcomes of ward, local government, and state congresses across the zone.
The motions were seconded by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon Uchenna Ugwu, and were overwhelmingly endorsed by the delegates.
Other members of the newly adopted zonal executive include:
- Chief Innocent Itakpa Azuoba – Secretary
- Barrister Rex Mayor Ogbonna – Legal Adviser
- Hon. Henry Onwughalaonye – Publicity Secretary
- Barrister Chima Kenneth Ogbonnaya – Youth Leader
- Dr. Nwachukwu – Leader for Persons with Disabilities
- Dr. Oby Aji – Woman Leader
- Chief Arinze Ikedife – Organising Secretary
In his remarks, Governor Peter Mbah described the congress as a clear demonstration of unity and strength.
“APC in the Southeast is solid. Our presence here today is a testament to the fact that APC is Southeast and Southeast is APC,” Mbah said.
He added: “We have shamed the naysayers and critics who predicted implosion. After this congress, we will emerge stronger and more united as a party.”
Governor Mbah also commended President Tinubu for his “audacious and expedient reforms,” saying they have placed the country on the path of economic growth.
The congress attracted a large turnout of prominent party leaders, including former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Deputy National Chairman (South) Chief Emma Eneukwu, several senators, ministers, and other key stakeholders.
The successful conduct of the South-East zonal congress is viewed as a significant boost to the APC’s structure in the region as the party prepares for its national convention.
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