The former minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over power from the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra in 2025.
Ngige, a governor of the state from 2003 to 2006, made the declaration on Saturday while speaking to reporters at his home in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area.
The former governor was in his hometown for the distribution of palliatives to party members, persons with disabilities and the aged.
Although he admitted that APC had two factions in the state, he said the division would not stop the party from winning the 2025 governorship election as aggrieved members would be pacified before the election.
“Of course there is APC 1 and APC 2 in the state. I will not deny that. I am both the father and face of APC in Anambra. I am certain that there are some newcomers who have joined us since 2021.
“Because the party is like a church which you do not stop people from entering; you do not stop people from entering the party to look for salvation or to support the government in power.
“But the challenge is that the new entrants do not want to reckon with old members who have laboured for the party.
“The old members laboured for the party from the time we were in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD) to Action Congress (AC) to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and finally birthed as APC.”
He added, “But it will be remedied this time. The party leadership both at the governmental level and party levels are mature politicians who are versed with the intrigues,” he said.
Ngige is of the opinion that APC would resolve its crisis ahead of 2025.
“Why won’t I be optimistic? If you are not optimistic in life, then suicide is the next option. I’m hopeful and optimistic that between now and 2025, we will put our house in order.
“We need to be steadfast as party members and you must live up to expectations of being a foundation member and demonstrate tolerance to others by showing them the light.”
Ngige added that he was still on sabbatical and resting, saying that by May 2025, he would decide on his next line of action.
Speaking earlier, Chief George Moghalu, former managing director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and APC chieftain in Anambra, warned against imposition of candidates ahead of the 2025 governorship election in the state.
