Patriots Set New Agenda for Governance in Anambra”*

Anambra Patriots*, a prominent political pressure group, held its General Assembly meeting, which coincided with the official inauguration of its new national secretariat in Awka. The event took place at the Awka Trade Center, Aroma, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The occasion featured the formal unveiling of the association’s national headquarters and extensive deliberations on the group’s achievements, particularly in relation to past governorship elections in Anambra State. Discussions also focused on charting a new course toward inclusiveness in both state and national politics, with the broader aim of advancing the interests of Southeasterners and Nigeria at large.

The gathering drew wide participation, with all 21 local government coordinators and 326 ward coordinators of the group in attendance, alongside dignitaries and government officials from across Anambra’s political landscape. Among the dignitaries present were HRH Igwe Kenneth Izuchukwu Emeka (Okebo II of Aguleri), Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Special Adviser on Political Matters, and Chief Primus Odili, founder of the Okosisi Political Movement, represented by Chief Engr. Marcel Ifejiofor.

Addressing the assembly, the Chairman of Anambra Patriots, Ozo Ejiamatu Enekwechi, commended the coordinators for their efforts during the governorship election that led to the reelection of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo as Governor of Anambra State. He emphasized that the Patriots are not in the business of collecting money from political aspirants, but rather are committed to promoting accountability and good governance.

“We have no business with collecting money from any candidate. All we demand is accountability and good governance. If convinced, we will support such a candidate seamlessly,” Enekwechi stated.

Convener of the group, Arch. Okey Ezeobi, also expressed gratitude to the coordinators, noting that the Patriots visited every market in the state to sensitize the people. He announced that the group had secured its new secretariat office with a five‑year payment already made. Going forward, he stressed that the Patriots remain a political structure under APGA, urging members to participate actively in the ongoing membership registration exercise in line with the new electoral law. “The new law abolishes indirect primaries. Everyone is now a delegate, but you must be registered with INEC as a member of APGA. Registration requires your NIN, voter’s card, and two passport photographs,” Ezeobi explained.

He assured members that their efforts would not be in vain, highlighting that the Patriots are structured down to the ward and polling unit levels, making them a formidable force for mobilization in future elections.

In his remarks, Chief Engr. Marcel Ifejiofor, representing Chief Primus Odili, praised Governor Soludo for introducing a strategic electoral format that reduced the cost of elections. He described the Patriots as “an association worth associating with.”

Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, noted that although Anambra Patriots were the last of about sixty‑five support groups to join, they quickly rose to prominence. He recalled that the group was the first to pay for the governor’s nomination ticket, stressing that the story of Soludo’s second tenure cannot be told without them.
“Support groups are a way of evangelization — telling people why they should believe in a candidate. The polling unit structure introduced by the governor made him a political bulldozer,” Obiogbolu said, commending the Patriots for their dedication.

HRH Igwe Kenneth Izuchukwu Emeka (Okebo II of Aguleri) also lauded the coordinators and executives for their commitment, praying for their safe return to their destinations. He emphasized that while many organizations dissolve after elections, the Patriots were established to endure, with a mission to promote leaders who genuinely have the people’s interest at heart — a true hallmark of good governance.