By Ken Afor
Sen. Chris Ngige, former minister of Labour and Employment, has predicted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over power from the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra in the 2025 Governorship Election.
Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, mentioned on Saturday during a palliative distribution event in Alor that although the APC in the state has two factions, he believes the party can overcome internal divisions to secure victory in the 2025 governorship election by reconciling aggrieved members before the polls.
His words: “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 some newcomers 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 the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD) to the Action Congress (AC) to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and finally birthed as APC.”
According to him, “these are facts that are undeniable and palpable. But in politics, you disagree to agree, and if you do not agree, you bear the consequences. We did not agree in the 2021 election, and the repercussions were clear.
“But it will be remedied this time. The party leadership, both at the governmental level and at the party level, is composed of mature politicians who are versed in the intrigues,” he said.
Sen. Chris Ngige, expressing optimism, stated that he believes the APC will effectively resolve its internal crisis and strive to assume control of Anambra in 2025.
He emphasized that victory requires significant effort and cautioned against the practice of manipulating election results in hotel rooms, asserting that such tactics are no longer effective.
“Why won’t I be optimistic? If you are not optimistic about life, then suicide is the next option. I’m hopeful 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 the expectations of being a foundation member and demonstrate tolerance to others by showing them the light.”
Ngige disclosed that he is currently on sabbatical, taking a rest. He mentioned that he will decide on his next course of action by May 2025.
While it is unclear if the former minister will consider joining the race for the governorship election in the state in 2025, it would be recalled that In 2003, he was elected the governor of Anambra State amid controversial circumstances.
However, in August 2006, an Election Tribunal, presided over by Justice Nabaruma, nullified Ngige’s victory in the 2003 election.
Despite Ngige’s appeal to the Nigerian Federal Court of Appeal, the annulment was upheld on March 15, 2006, with the judgment declaring Peter Obi of APGA as the rightful winner.
