Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has elected former federal lawmaker Emmanuel Obiajulu Anosike as chairman of its Anambra State chapter, in a move party leaders describe as a strategic reset ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Anosike, who represented Anambra North Senatorial District in the National Assembly between 2003 and 2007 and currently chairs the Anambra–Imo River Basin Development Commission, emerged through a consensus arrangement at the party’s state congress held Tuesday at its headquarters in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.
The congress formed part of the APC’s nationwide internal restructuring exercise and drew approximately 2,100 accredited delegates from across the state’s wards and local government areas.
The Chairman of the State Congress Committee and Returning Officer, Rear Admiral William Kayoda (rtd), declared the exercise “free, fair and credible,” citing provisions of the party’s constitution that allow for consensus-based leadership selection.
“In fulfillment of Articles 20 and 14 of our party Constitution, Senator Emma Anosike and members of the State Executive Committee are hereby duly elected and returned,” Kayoda announced to voice affirmation from delegates.
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Anosike was elected alongside the Deputy Chairman Chidi Orji, the Secretary, Obi Okpala, and 34 other members of the State Executive Committee.
Consensus Party Strategy
The harmonization process was overseen by Senator Uche Ekwunife, Chair of the Congress Harmonization Committee and Director-General of the Southeast Governors’ Forum. She said the adoption of what party officials described as a “basketing” consensus model was intended to prevent factional disputes and ensure the emergence of competent leadership.
“The era of imposing executives without due consideration for capacity is over,” Ekwunife said. “Stakeholders at ward and local government levels were fully engaged. This leadership reflects collective ownership.”
The outgoing executive committee led by Chief Basil Ejidike, who served for seven years, was formally dissolved following a motion adopted by voice vote.
In his valedictory remarks, Ejidike urged members to unite behind the new leadership, describing the transition as peaceful and orderly.
Anosike: “A New Dawn” for APC in Anambra
In his acceptance speech, Anosike framed his emergence as both a mandate and a responsibility to strengthen the party’s presence in a state traditionally dominated by opposition forces.
“This is a call to service. We shall ensure no stakeholder is sidelined. This marks a new dawn for the APC in Anambra State,” he said.
He further declared that the state chapter would align more closely with the national leadership to expand grassroots mobilization, improve internal cohesion, and prepare for competitive electoral contests.
“Our immediate task is reconciliation, membership expansion, and policy-driven engagement with the people of Anambra. We will build a party structure that is responsive, inclusive, and electorally viable,” Anosike added.
He also pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that the Anambra chapter would “work diligently to deliver victory for the APC at all levels.”