Titus Eleweke, South East Editor
AWKA, Anambra – The National Vice Chairman (South-East) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, has called for deliberate, transparent, and sustainable funding mechanisms to strengthen the party’s institutional capacity and drive its expansion. Rev. Ehiemere made this appeal at the APGA South-East Zonal Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Awka, the capital of Anambra State on Saturday.
He described the South-East as the ideological and political stronghold of APGA, stressing that the party must consolidate its base while positioning itself for broader national relevance.
According to him, his recent efforts to revive grassroots engagement across the zone were aimed at restoring confidence among party faithful and reconnecting with its core values.
He noted that a sensitization tour across the five South-East states helped rekindle enthusiasm among members who had become disillusioned.
“Many of our members were losing morale, but through sustained engagement and mobilization, we have reignited their commitment. APGA must not only survive in the South-East; it must grow and dominate its natural political space,” he said.
Rev. Ehiemere, a former Abia State Chairman of APGA and a longstanding foundation member, urged elected officials, aspirants, and stakeholders at all levels federal, state, and local—to commit financial and material resources to the party.
He stated that political success requires not just popular support but also strong institutional backing.
Reflecting on his 2025 outreach initiative, he explained that the tour was driven by the principle of “onye aghala nwanne ya” (leave no one behind), which he said remains central to APGA’s philosophy.
Despite limited financial support, he personally facilitated meetings with zonal officers, state chairmen, and party secretaries, often covering logistics such as accommodation and transportation.
“These efforts demonstrate commitment, but passion alone cannot sustain a political movement. The success of our outreach showed that the people believe in APGA, yet we lack the organizational resources to consolidate that goodwill,” he added.
He commended Hon. Eze Chinedu Yagazie for his consistent support, describing him as a model of loyalty and dedication to the party’s ideals.
Looking ahead, Rev. Ehiemere outlined a vision for a more visible and symbolically resonant APGA presence across the region. He proposed the deployment of branded vehicles bearing the names of iconic figures such as Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and Chinua Achebe, arguing that such initiatives would reinforce identity and inspire a new generation of supporters.
He stressed that achieving this vision would require empowering the office of the National Vice Chairman with adequate resources to coordinate activities across all five South-East states simultaneously.
In a strongly worded appeal, he issued what he described as a “Macedonian call” to APGA officeholders:
“I call on our governors, deputy governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, state legislators, and political appointees: you did not rise in isolation. You emerged on the platform of APGA, and that platform now requires your support. This is not an appeal for charity but a call for structured, accountable, and sustained investment in the party. Strengthen the party, and it will safeguard your political future.”
He specifically urged the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, to spearhead a comprehensive financial and structural reform of the party.
“Let history record that under your leadership, APGA overcame its limitations, restored its institutional strength, and expanded beyond its traditional borders. That would be a defining legacy,” he said.
Rev. Ehiemere said that APGA must transition from a regional force to a national contender, noting that the party still has “regions to capture and a nation to influence.”
He also commended Governor Soludo for his governance record in Anambra State and his role in sustaining the party.
In his response, Governor Soludo acknowledged the urgency of establishing a more inclusive and sustainable funding model for APGA.
He stressed that financial responsibility should not rest solely on the governor and elected officials but must be shared collectively by party members.
“The party must be structured in a way that encourages contributions from all members. I will urge the National Chairman to set up a committee to design a transparent and effective fundraising framework. Party members must begin to see dues payment as a civic responsibility within the organization. Together, we will build a financially resilient party,” he said.
