The All Progressives Congress (APC) concluded its South-East zonal congress in Enugu on Wednesday, emerging with a new consensus-elected executive committee led by Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu as chairman. The event, which experienced a delayed start, was attended by the three APC governors from the region—Peter Mbah of Enugu, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi—signalling a unified front.
The congress operated under a pre-agreed consensus arrangement, a method the party leadership said was adopted to foster unity and efficiency. Governor Uzodimma, who also chairs the Southeast Governors’ Forum, delivered opening remarks, conveying greetings from national leader President Bola Tinubu and affirming the party’s commitment to national progress. “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 stated.
The procedural motions formalised the process. Governor Nwifuru moved for the dissolution of the previous zonal executive, seconded by Senator Patrick Ndubueze. Subsequently, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, presented the list of consensus candidates for adoption, announcing Dr. Arodiogbu as vice chairman (the position equivalent to chairman in many zonal structures). The motions, seconded by Enugu State House of Assembly Speaker Eugene Ugwu, were overwhelmingly endorsed by delegates.
The newly constituted zonal executive includes Chief Innocent Itakpa Azuoba as secretary, Barrister Rex Mayor Ogbonna as legal adviser, Hon. Henry Onwughalaonye as publicity secretary, Barrister Chima Kenneth Ogbonnaya as youth leader, Dr. Nwachukwu as leader for persons with disabilities, Dr. Oby Aji as woman leader, and Chief Arinze Ikedife as organising secretary.
Governor Mbah characterised the successful congress as evidence of the APC’s consolidated strength in the South-East, stating it rebutted predictions of division. “APC in the Southeast is solid. Our presence here today is a testament to the fact that APC is Southeast and Southeast is APC,” he said, while also commending President Tinubu’s economic reforms.
The gathering featured a significant turnout of party stalwarts, including former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Deputy National Chairman (South) Chief Emma Eneukwu, several senators, ministers Nkeiru Onyejeocha and Kingsley Udeh, and former minister Chris Ngige, alongside federal legislators and key stakeholders.
The consensus-driven conduct of the South-East zonal congress is interpreted as a strategic step in fortifying the APC’s organisational structure in the region ahead of its forthcoming national convention, projecting a image of cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.
