The former representative of Anambra North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Emmanuel Anosike, has emerged as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State.
Anosike was elected through a consensus arrangement at the party’s state congress held in Awka, the state capital.
The party also elected J.C. Okeke and Obi Okpala as its Vice Chairman and Secretary respectively, as well as other officers of the party in the state.
Chairman of the Anambra State Congress Committee and Returning Officer, Rear Admiral William Kayoda (rtd), while announcing the outcome of the congress, stated that the exercise was conducted in accordance with Articles 20 and 14 of the APC Constitution, which provides for the use of consensus in the election of party officers.
“I, Rear Admiral William Kayode (rtd), Chairman of the Congress Committee and Returning Officer for the Anambra State chapter of the APC, hereby affirm that the congress was free, fair, and credible”, he stated.
“In fulfilment of the relevant provisions of Articles 20 and 14 of our party Constitution, Senator Emma Anosike and other elected members of the State Executive Committee are hereby duly elected and returned,” he declared.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Congress Harmonization Committee and Director-General of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife, revealed that “basketing” and consensus was adopted, explaining that the approach was aimed at ensuring the emergence of credible and competent leaders capable of repositioning the party in the state.
She noted that the era of appointing party executives without due consideration for competence and capacity was over.
According to her, stakeholders at the ward and local government levels were fully engaged in the harmonization process.
“We invited stakeholders across the wards and local governments and, in line with the constitutional provisions on consensus, agreed on a basketing arrangement to elect party members who are committed to the growth and progress of the party.
“We found Senator Emma Anosike and his executive team fit and proper to manage the affairs of the party in the state,” she said.
Meanwhile, the immediate past executive committee of the party, led by Basil Ejidike, was also formally dissolved.
The dissolution followed a motion moved by Chief Olisa Metuh and seconded by Dr. Onuora Okonkwo, which was subsequently adopted through a voice vote.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Anosike described his election as a call to service and a responsibility to reposition and strengthen the party in the state.
He assured members of an inclusive administration, emphasising that no stakeholder would be sidelined under his leadership.
“We shall ensure that all members are carried along in the affairs of the party. I assure all party faithful that this marks a new dawn for the APC in Anambra State.
“I also express my gratitude to the Governor-General of the South-East, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, for his leadership in managing the party in the region.
As a party, we are committed to delivering President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections,” he stated.
In his valedictory remarks, the former State Chairman, Basil Ejidike, who served for seven years, urged party members to rally behind the new executive committee.
He expressed confidence that the party would continue to grow from strength to strength under the new leadership.
Credit: The Sun