A former senator has been chosen as the new chairman of the All Progressives Congress in southeastern Anambra State, following a consensus-based election aimed at unifying the party ahead of future polls.
Emmanuel Anosike, who previously represented Anambra North in the Senate and currently leads the Anambra Imo River Basin Development Commission, secured the position during a state congress held at the APC headquarters on Tuesday.
The event saw around 2,100 delegates endorse a pre-agreed list of executives through voice votes, in line with the party’s constitutional provisions for consensus.
The process, overseen by a congress committee, also resulted in the election of Chidi Orji as vice chairman and Obi Okpala as secretary, among others. The outgoing chairman, Basil Ejidike, stepped down after delegates approved a motion to dissolve the previous leadership.
Rear Admiral Williams Kayoda, the retired naval officer serving as chairman of the congress committee and returning officer, praised the proceedings: “I, Rear Admiral Williams Kayoda (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 added: “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.”
Uche Ekwunife, head of the congress harmonisation committee and director-general of the South-East Governors’ Forum, explained the rationale behind the consensus method: “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.”
She continued: “We found Senator Emmanuel Anosike and his executive team fit and proper to manage the affairs of the party in the state.”
In his acceptance speech, Anosike vowed to foster inclusivity: “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.”
He also thanked Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for regional leadership and affirmed the party’s goal: “As a party, we are committed to delivering President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.”
The congress drew notable attendees, including aviation entrepreneur Obiora Okonkwo, former governorship candidate Azuka Okwuosa, and politician Iyke Iliobi, signaling efforts to strengthen the APC’s presence in a region traditionally dominated by other parties.
Ejidike, in his farewell remarks, encouraged support for the incoming team, expressing optimism for the party’s future growth.
