BY CHUKS COLLINS AND EMEKA CHIAGHANAM
A FORMER chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Theodore Okonkwo, has disclosed that many stakeholders of the party were currently secretly working for the success of Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.
Okonkwo, a professor of Law, from Ezenaja village, Oraukwu in Idemili North Local Council joined APGA in 2011, but officially resigned from the party on September 25, this year to join the APC.
Speaking on his defection, Okonkwo said APGA, once a vibrant movement founded on the principle of brotherhood, has lost its moral compass, adding: “The truth is that APGA has been hijacked. Their slogan, ‘Onye Aghana Nwanneya’ (Be Your Brother’s Keeper), no longer hold true.
“The party is now filled with injustice, fake promises and a broken reward system.”
He noted that numerous APGA members were quietly working for Ukachukwu’s victory, saying: “Many stakeholders in APGA have sympathy for Ukachukwu. They are working underground, but can’t say it openly.”
Okonkwo said his decision to join the APC was divinely inspired: “It was not about inducement or persuasion; it was a spiritual revelation.
“In the Scripture, when Elijah was about to ascend into heaven, the sons of the prophets were aware of the moment, but failed to grasp its deeper revelation. They rejoiced without understanding, but only Elisha caught the revelation and received the blessing.
“I, too, have caught the revelation of Ukachukwu’s mission in Anambra; I don’t want to be like the sons of the prophet who clapped without understanding.”
Okonkwo stated that the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration has failed to deliver on its promises, adding: “We were excited when Soludo came with the slogan, ‘I will fix it, it is not broken.’
“But now, it is broken into pieces. The governor’s promises do not match the realities on ground. What happened to the ecological funds? My hometown, Oraukwu, is ravaged by erosion, yet nothing serious has been done.
“The money coming into Anambra does not reflect in infrastructure or human development. The government is not transparent about its spendings.
“I don’t travel into Anambra after 6 p.m., because of insecurity. Even within the state, people avoid travelling at night. The security architecture is being used as a façade for political purposes ahead of the election.”
He argued that Ukachukwu represents a new hope for the state, saying: “My encounter with him was refreshing. I told him my only fear was that he might change when he becomes governor, and he laughed. I believe his humility and sincerity of purpose will drive meaningful development.
“If there is no security, there will be no investment or development. He should focus on developing people, not just infrastructure. Once individuals are empowered, they build strong families and communities. That is how lasting progress begins.”
Okonkwo expressed dismay at what he described as crude enforcement method, noting: “The so-called Akaodo revenue agents use pestles to threaten and force compliance on people. Even during colonial times, enforcement was not as harsh.
“I don’t hate anyone, but Anambra State is greater than any individual. We need a change that restores dignity, fairness, and security to our people.”
He, therefore, urged the electorate to massively support and vote APC and Ukachukwu on November 8 to usher in better life and new positive change experience.
