APGA’s Ticket Allocation: A Call for Fresh Faces and Inclusive Politics
By Julie Sylvia Onitsha
The recent speech by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo at the valedictory session for his past political appointees has sparked a renewed debate on the All Progressives Grand Alliance’s (APGA) selection process. The Governor’s emphasis on inclusivity and fair representation has raised hopes that the party may be moving towards a more equitable distribution of opportunities.
Soludo’s assertion that many loyal and qualified party members have been denied the chance to serve is a stark reminder of the need for change. With over 200,000 committed members in Anambra State, the party’s leadership must prioritize representation and inclusivity. The Governor’s advocacy for fresh hands and new faces in politics is a step in the right direction, as demonstrated by the recent emergence of relatively new candidates in the Anambra South Senatorial and Onitsha North State Assembly by-elections.
The Governor’s active campaign for these candidates and their subsequent victories underscore his commitment to inclusive politics. The appointment of new local government chairmen, including Nnamdi Ifejika in Ogbaru, further reinforces this approach.
However, the road ahead is not without challenges. Political operatives are already deploying intimidation tactics and exaggerated claims to influence the party’s ticket allocation. The national leader of APGA, Governor Soludo, and the party leadership must remain resolute in their commitment to fair representation and inclusivity.
As Soludo noted, qualified individuals abound within the party, and it is essential to give them a chance to serve. The party’s leadership must resist the temptation to indulge prodigal sons and daughters at the expense of deserving candidates. The future of APGA depends on its ability to balance loyalty with merit and ensure that opportunities are accessible to all.
The party’s philosophy of “onye aghana nwanneya” (leave no one behind) must guide its actions. APGA’s leadership must prioritize the interests of its members and the people, rather than succumbing to the whims of powerful individuals. By doing so, the party can rebuild trust, promote inclusivity, and emerge stronger than ever.
