A group known as the South-East APC Young Progressives Forum has called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to consider appointing a minister and other officials who are grassroots politicians to represent Anambra State. The group made its plea during a press conference held in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, on Thursday.
The group emphasized the importance of appointees who possess the ability to mobilize and engage with the local population effectively, thereby strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. With the upcoming governorship election in 2025, the group urged President Tinubu to avoid repeating past mistakes, where appointees failed to actively support the party’s interests in Anambra State while residing in Abuja or Lagos.
During the press conference, the convener of the South-East APC Young Progressives Forum, Pascal Candle, and other members highlighted their confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership abilities. They expressed their belief that he possesses the vision and inspiration needed to unite the country, combat insecurity, and alleviate poverty.
The group further stressed the importance of appointing core party members with a strong track record of integrity and dedication to the APC in Anambra State and the South-East region. They expressed concerns about the practice of appointing individuals without electoral value or those who lacked a genuine affiliation with the APC in the state. The group called for a rewarding system that recognizes party members who have worked tirelessly and have consistently shown commitment to the party’s principles.
In their prayers, the South-East APC Young Progressives Forum requested that President Tinubu appoint ministers who would be accessible to the people, possess a “think home” philosophy, and contribute to the party’s growth and success. They also urged the president to avoid nominating unpopular candidates and demanded that the lobbying individuals provide evidence of their involvement and support for the party at the grassroots level.
The group concluded their statement by expressing their optimism that President Tinubu would consider their appeal, which they believe would lead to the representation of genuine party members who have long awaited an opportunity to contribute to the party’s progress in Anambra State.
The press conference attendees included Paschal Candle, the National Convener of the South-East APC Young Progressives Forum, as well as members Arinze Igboeli, Okoye Francis, Michael Chibuzor, Obinna Okoyeocha, Ikenna Onwuchekwe, Frank Ewuzie, Chijioke Ezeduka, Charles Iwugwu, Obed Nworji, Stanley Ayika, Obunadike Harrison, Chekwube Ezealor, Lotanna Okafor, and Daniel Nwankwo.
A copy of the statement was sent to the Secretary to the Government for the Federation, the Chief of Staff to the President, the APC National Chairman, the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), the Anambra State APC Chairman, and the South-East APC Zonal Chairman.