By Peace Orjiani
The South-East zonal leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged following a consensus arrangement adopted during the party’s congress held in Enugu State.
The congress, which took place at the Hotel Presidential, brought together top party stakeholders, including governors and senior political figures from across the region.
Among those present were the governors of Enugu State, Imo State, and Ebonyi State, Peter Mbah, Hope Uzodimma, and Francis Nwifuru respectively.
Delegates arrived early at the venue, but proceedings were delayed for several hours due to initial disagreements over the consensus list. The issues were later resolved before the exercise commenced in the afternoon.
The congress adopted a consensus approach, which led to the emergence of a new zonal executive committee headed by Ijeoma Arodiogbu.
Speaking during the congress, Hope Uzodimma, who also chairs the South-East Governors’ Forum, emphasized the importance of unity within the party.
“We are here for our country,” he said, adding that he conveyed goodwill from Bola Tinubu and expressed confidence in the nation’s economic direction.
He explained that the decision to adopt consensus was in line with the party’s constitution and aimed at promoting unity while ensuring a smooth process.
Following the proceedings, a motion for the dissolution of the outgoing zonal executive was moved by Francis Nwifuru and seconded by Patrick Ndubueze.
After the dissolution, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, presented the list of consensus candidates for adoption.
“I hereby move that these names be adopted as the consensus candidates for this zonal congress,” Kalu stated.
He also moved additional motions to formally adopt consensus as the mode of election and to ratify previous ward, local government, and state congress outcomes across the Southeast.
The motions were seconded by Uchenna Ugwu and subsequently approved by delegates.
List of Newly Elected Zonal Executives
The newly constituted zonal executive includes the following:
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Vice Chairman (South-East): Ijeoma Arodiogbu
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Secretary: Chief Innocent Itakpa Azuoba
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Legal Adviser: Rex Mayor Ogbonna
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Publicity Secretary: Henry Onwughalaonye
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Youth Leader: Chima Kenneth Ogbonnaya
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PWD Leader: Dr Nwachukwu
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Woman Leader: Dr Oby Aji
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Organising Secretary: Chief Arinze Ikedife
In his remarks, Peter Mbah described the congress as a clear demonstration of unity within the APC in the South-East region.
“APC in the South-East is solid. Our presence here today is a testament to the fact that APC is South-East and South-East is APC,” he said.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for ongoing economic reforms, noting that they are positioning Nigeria for growth.
High-Profile Attendance
The congress attracted several prominent party leaders and stakeholders, including the following:
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Ken Nnamani
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Emma Eneukwu
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Osita Izunaso
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Ezenwa Onyewuchi
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Uche Ekwunife
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Onyekachi Nwebonyi
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Kelvin Chukwu
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Osita Ngwu
Also present were:
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Nkeiru Onyejeocha
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Chris Ngige
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Kingsley Udeh
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Members of the House of Representatives and other party stakeholders
