From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Ifeatu Obiokoye, has commended the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, for formally declaring his intention to contest the Anambra North Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Obiogbolu made his aspiration known last week, during an interactive meeting with members of the State Executive Committee and other key stakeholders of APGA at the party’s regional office in Awka. The gathering provided an opportunity for the senatorial hopeful to formally notify the leadership of the party about his plans and seek their support.
In his remarks at the meeting, Obiokoye praised Dr. Obiogbolu’s leadership qualities and dedication to the party, describing him as a committed stakeholder whose contributions have been part of the modest achievements recorded by APGA in recent times. He noted that Obiogbolu’s long experience in politics and governance makes him a valuable asset to the party and to the people of Anambra North.
Dr. Obiogbolu, while addressing the gathering, said he had spent about thirty-five years in active politics and emphasized his belief that the party remains supreme in all political engagements. According to him, this principle informed his decision to first present his senatorial ambition before the party’s leadership and stakeholders.
He assured the party hierarchy of his loyalty and commitment, pledging that if given the mandate, he would provide responsible and responsive representation to the people of Anambra North Senatorial zone. He added that he would be proud to represent the zone as an APGA senator and would use the position to advance the interests of both the constituency and the party.
Dr Obiogbolu also disclosed that he had already informed his principal, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, of his intention to seek the Senate seat and considered it important to also carry the State Executive Council of APGA along in the process.
Reflecting on his political journey, Dr. Obiogbolu explained that his thirty-five years in politics had taken him through different political platforms. He began his career in the Social Democratic Party before spending more than two decades in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to him, his eventual move to APGA marked a turning point in his political life, noting with enthusiasm that it was within APGA that he truly found political belonging.
The Onitsha North-born politician also recalled that he had consistently supported the aspirations of other leaders over the years and had made significant sacrifices for the growth of the political parties he had worked with.
He pointed to his early political activities while aspiring to the House of Representatives during his time in the SDP, which he said earned him the nickname “Okpatulenyi.” He also highlighted his role in introducing the “Turn by Turn” principle in Anambra politics after observing what he described as imbalances in the state’s political evolution. According to him, the principle later influenced the emergence of several leaders, including former governor Willie Obiano.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Dr. Obiogbolu expressed optimism about the prospects of APGA, stating that his dream was for the party to produce three senators, eleven members of the House of Representatives, and thirty members of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
He however cautioned against internal wrangling and acts of sabotage within the party, warning that such tendencies could undermine the party’s collective aspirations.
As part of his commitment to strengthening APGA, the senatorial hopeful pledged that if elected to the Senate, he would willingly support the activities and development of the party. He also encouraged other candidates who might be elected into the National Assembly on the platform of APGA to adopt a similar approach in order to sustain the party’s growth.
Dr. Obiogbolu concluded by assuring party members of his full loyalty to APGA and his readiness to work tirelessly for the advancement of the party and the development of Anambra North.
Other party leaders who spoke at the meeting, including the Vice Chairman of APGA in Anambra North Senatorial Zone, Chief Ojinaka Obi, also appealed to party faithful and stakeholders to rally behind Obiogbolu’s aspiration in the interest of the party and the district.