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| Abdullahi Umar Ganduje |
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdulahi Ganduje, announced that the party has begun efforts to end the marginalization of Igbos and elevate their role in national politics.
Speaking at the APC South East zonal meeting in Abakaliki on Sunday, Ganduje highlighted the significant support Igbos have shown for the party and President Bola Tinubu's administration.
Ganduje emphasized that while there is a distinction between marginalization and the southeast's performance within the APC, the party is committed to breaking the cycle of marginalization.
“The recent appointments by President Bola Tinubu’s administration are encouraging, and with greater involvement in the party’s activities, we can achieve even more.
“We must end this cycle of marginalization with determination, unity, and full support for the party and President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” he said.
He praised Ebonyi for following Imo's lead in actively promoting the party's activities and thanked Governor Francis Nwifuru for upholding the party's principles in the state.
“The current challenge is to win over Anambra, Enugu, and Abia, and we must unite all stakeholders to achieve this goal.”
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi expressed gratitude to the party leaders for holding the meeting in the state, noting that the party is now firmly established in Ebonyi and the southeast.
Nwifuru highlighted Ebonyi's policy of inclusiveness, which has brought all stakeholders under the APC umbrella.
“The massive defection of opposition members to the APC on July 13 demonstrates that persuasion is more effective than conflict,” he said.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo remarked on the unfortunate timing of the APC's leadership during a global economic downturn.
The Chairman of the South East Governors Forum noted that many Nigerians are experiencing severe hardship, with some falling into poverty.
“People need to understand that there is a global economic crisis, with some currencies exchanging at 15,000 to 20,000 to one dollar.
“However, I believe that if President Bola Tinubu’s tested policies are properly implemented, Nigerians will receive much-needed relief,” he said.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urged the people of the southeast to support the federal government’s efforts to end marginalization.
“President Bola Tinubu has given the Igbos more than the votes he received from them during the elections.
“It is now up to us to repay him for his good deeds because showing appreciation leads to more,” he said.
He noted that the president has offered Igbos significant positions in his administration, including high-ranking ministers and the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.
“The process for the South East Development Commission bill, which will address many challenges facing the Igbos, has been finalized and is awaiting the president’s approval,” he said.
