By Oyem Jonathan.
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike has charged the College of Ward Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the council area to remain united, disciplined and committed to the ideals of the party, stressing that the strength of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections will depend largely on the effectiveness of its grassroots structures.
Chukwunwike gave the charge on Friday when he received a delegation of the College of APC Ward Chairmen, led by its Chairman, Mrs. Rita Eze, during a courtesy visit to the Chairman’s Lodge in Ogwashi Uku.
Welcoming the delegation, the council chairman described ward chairmen as the foundation and visible face of the party at the grassroots, noting that their proximity to the people places them in a strategic position to mobilise support, communicate the policies of the party and consolidate its presence across the various wards.
He urged the ward chairmen to see their positions as a call to political service and responsibility, rather than merely an avenue for personal recognition, charging them to live above board and remain exemplary ambassadors of the APC.
According to him, effective political organisation requires sacrifice, patience, commitment and the ability to bring people together, particularly at a time when political parties are preparing for the intense competition that usually characterises general elections.
Chukwunwike advised the ward leaders to close ranks and avoid internal disagreements, unnecessary rivalry and personal interests capable of weakening the party structure.
He emphasised that the APC must operate as one political family, with its leaders and members working toward a common objective.
He further charged them to strengthen consultations with party stakeholders, engage youths and women, listen to the concerns of their constituents and ensure that no segment of the electorate is left outside the party’s political engagement.
“The ward is where politics truly begins. If we want victory, we must first build a strong and united structure at the grassroots. Every ward chairman must therefore understand that his or her responsibility extends beyond party meetings. You are organisers, mobilizers and ambassadors of the party in your respective communities,”
Pastor Chukwunwike stated.
He urged the ward chairmen to mobilise support for all APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections, stressing that electoral victory must be approached as a collective project rather than the responsibility of individual candidates.
The council chairman also pledged to deepen his support for the ward leadership through the provision of a monthly stipend to the ward chairmen, describing the initiative as part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots party organisation and encouraging those who continually invest their time and energy in party activities.
He expressed optimism that with unity, effective mobilisation and sustained engagement with the electorate, the APC would achieve a stronger political presence and record significant success at the polls.
Hon.Chukwunwike therefore encouraged the ward chairmen to remain steadfast and focused, reminding them that the road to electoral victory is built through consistent grassroots engagement, mutual trust and a leadership structure capable of inspiring confidence among party members and the wider electorate.
Earlier in a remark, the delegation led by Mrs. Rita Eze appreciated the council chairman for receiving them and expressed their commitment to strengthening the party’s structures across the various wards.
They however, appealed for financial support to enhance party activities at the grassroots, explaining that their responsibilities require resources to effectively coordinate meetings, mobilise members, engage stakeholders and attend to various needs within their respective wards.
They noted that stronger institutional support for the ward structures would enhance their capacity to remain active and responsive, particularly as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
In his vote of thanks, the Secretary of the council, Hon. Prince Tony K Ebube appreciated the delegation for the visit and for openly presenting the issues affecting the party’s grassroots structures.
He expressed confidence that the engagement would further deepen the synergy between the council administration and the APC structure in Aniocha South, stressing that a strong relationship between elected leadership and party structures is essential to building a formidable political organisation.
Ebube urged the ward chairmen to sustain the spirit of cooperation, unity and loyalty, noting that the collective task before the party is to consolidate its structures and work assiduously toward securing victory for the APC from the presidential level down to the grassroots.
He called on all party leaders and members to place the collective interest of the APC above individual differences, saying that a united party with a disciplined grassroots structure is better positioned to convert political goodwill into electoral victory.
highlight of the visit was the presentation of a portrait to pastor Chukwunwike by the delegation, symbolising their appreciation, affection and bond with the council chairman, as well as their recognition of the several developmental milestones recorded across Aniocha South under his administration.
