The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has unveiled a bold reform agenda aimed at overhauling its internal structure and redefining its political culture, following a landmark South-East Zonal Stakeholders’ meeting—the first of its kind in more than two decades.
At the center of the transformation drive is Anambra State Governor and party leader, Chukwuma Soludo, who delivered a blunt call for systemic change.
He condemned what he described as “trade by barter” politics, where political platforms are treated as temporary vehicles for personal ambition rather than enduring institutions.
Soludo highlighted recent milestones, including APGA’s 2024 digitization of its membership register, which guarantees a transparent 21-day submission window in line with electoral law.
He also reaffirmed the party’s adoption of the Option A-4 voting system for primaries, designed to enhance openness and credibility.
According to him, the party is moving decisively to eliminate practices such as “gift tickets,” insisting that loyalty, merit, and due process must now define candidacy.
He urged members to see APGA as a long-term political movement rather than a transactional platform.
To tackle funding and sustainability challenges, Soludo proposed a return to a dues-based model reminiscent of student political associations.
A committee will be set up to develop a structured funding framework, reducing reliance on private financiers—a factor he said has historically constrained the party’s growth.
Modernization roadmap
APGA National Chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa, also outlined a modernization roadmap anchored on the provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act.
Key elements include digital registration, direct primaries, the Option A-4 system, and the scrapping of bundled nomination forms.
He added that aspirants must now undergo a two-step process: purchasing an Expression of Interest form and passing screening before proceeding to acquire a nomination form.
Ezeokenwa also announced a strict Code of Conduct for party officials, requiring any executive member who wishes to campaign for a candidate to first resign their position.
Earlier, State Chairman Ifeatu Obiokoye described the meeting as unprecedented and praised stakeholders for rallying around the party’s unity agenda.
National Vice Chairman (South East), Augustine Ehiemere, reinforced the party’s cultural and political significance in the region.
He however acknowledged that its growth has remained geographically concentrated, underscoring the need for a broader strategic vision.
The meeting drew top party figures, including Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim and Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, alongside aspirants and stakeholders.
With the new reforms, APGA is positioning itself to evolve into a disciplined, transparent, and nationally competitive political movement grounded in equity and accountability.
