Paul Chukwuma, the former National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a governorship aspirant in Anambra State, has expressed satisfaction over the growing number of individuals joining the party, particularly as the state prepares for its upcoming governorship election. Chukwuma’s comments came during a press conference held at his residence in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, where he reacted to the recent declarations by Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Professor Obiora Okonkwo, both of whom have also expressed interest in contesting for the governorship position under the APC.
Chukwuma was notably pleased that the APC is now being seen as a viable platform for political ambition, a sharp contrast to its previous perception. He expressed his contentment in seeing more aspirants choosing the party as the preferred vehicle for their political careers. Reflecting on the significance of the new entrants, he remarked, “You know, political party is like a church, you enter at will and exit at will. But, I’m happy that a good number of people are beginning to join our party. It shows that APC is the party to beat, contrary to what was obtainable, where we were seen as a pariah party.”
He elaborated further, underscoring his pivotal role in the party’s resurgence in Anambra. Chukwuma stated that over the past 18 to 24 months, he had taken it upon himself to revitalize and fund the party, an effort he believes has contributed to its growing appeal. His work in rebuilding the party, which was once considered an outsider force in the region, has clearly yielded results. Chukwuma proudly pointed out that, thanks to his efforts, people now view the APC as the most promising party to join in the state.
Chukwuma’s confidence in the APC’s prospects in the upcoming governorship election was evident. He declared, “The good thing is that my party is going to win the governorship election in Anambra this year, and I’m appealing to my party people to help me win the ticket of the party because our focus is to win Anambra and reposition the state from what it is today.” His optimism about the APC’s chances of success is palpable, with a particular focus on the opportunity to transform Anambra’s political landscape.
On the matter of the new aspirants, including Ukachukwu and Okonkwo, Chukwuma expressed his approval of their commitment to party unity. Both aspirants have pledged to support the eventual winner of the primary, irrespective of who that may be, in the spirit of oneness. Chukwuma praised this gesture, stating that it was a testament to the respect for party rules and discipline, further reinforcing the idea that the APC was united in its goal to secure victory in the forthcoming elections.
Confident in his own prospects, Chukwuma expressed his belief that he would secure the party’s nomination in the April primaries. He indicated his preparedness to contest the governorship election in November and emphasized his long-standing loyalty to the APC. “As a party man, I have been loyal and I have handled some very key assignments for the party, so I have seen it through and I’m dedicated and devoted to the party,” he remarked. Chukwuma’s history of dedication to the party, combined with his hands-on leadership, has, in his view, positioned him as a deserving candidate to lead the party into the election.
He went on to assert that his work in repositioning the APC in Anambra has been critical in attracting new members. Chukwuma claimed that his efforts had contributed to the transformation of the party into a more credible and appealing force in the state. He added, “I have shown the party what it means to lead and now we have a new APC and our party people can attest to this fact, to the point that people are now running into the party.”
While Chukwuma remains confident in his own chances, he stressed the importance of party unity, regardless of who eventually secures the governorship ticket. He expressed a willingness to support whoever wins the nomination in the event that he does not. He explained, “The issue of supporting whoever emerges is very important. I know I will emerge and I know they will support me to win the election when I get the ticket, but if this does not work and God chooses someone else, I will be very happy to support whoever emerges.” This statement reinforced his commitment to the collective success of the party and his respect for the democratic process within the APC.
Chukwuma’s message was one of inclusivity and optimism for the future of the APC in Anambra State. He welcomed the influx of new aspirants and emphasized that the growing number of qualified candidates would contribute positively to the party’s strength. He expressed excitement about the possibility of even more people joining the party, adding, “We are happy that they are joining our party, and we are going to have a college of aspirants that are qualified, and the number may still increase.”
In conclusion, Paul Chukwuma’s remarks paint a picture of a party in transition—one that has shed its previous image as a fringe group and is now viewed as a serious contender in Anambra’s political landscape. His confidence in the APC’s ability to win the governorship election and his call for unity among party members underscore his belief that the party is on the cusp of a major political breakthrough. As more aspirants join the party, Chukwuma’s vision for a revitalized Anambra State under APC leadership is becoming clearer, and he remains committed to playing a leading role in the realization of that vision.
