Amanze Chinonye
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged the people of Anambra State to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that “Ndigbo shall no longer walk alone,” as the party intensifies efforts to unseat the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state’s November 8 governorship election.
Akpabio, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the APC campaign rally in Onitsha, told thousands of cheering supporters that the South-East would no longer be left out of federal inclusion under the current administration.
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“My message in Anambra today is to let you know that you shall not walk alone. An adopted son is not the same as a biological son,” Akpabio said. “Ndigbo henceforth shall never walk alone. They will be at the center.”
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The Senate President described the APC under Tinubu as a “mother hen, spreading his wings and covering his children in Nigeria,” pledging that the proposed South-East Development Commission would empower and rebuild the region’s economy.
He also led the party delegation to the palace of the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, where he sought royal blessings for the campaign.
The rally, which held in Onitsha, formally presented the party’s governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, to supporters.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, expressed optimism that the party would “uproot APGA” and win the election, describing the APC as a “messenger of hope.”
“Anambra is too important in Igbo land to leave in the hands of the opposition. We are taking it back in eight days,” Yilwatda declared.
He lamented what he described as the state’s “lost vibrancy” under the current administration, saying many roads, schools, and job opportunities had deteriorated. He argued that under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, the economy was stabilising and that Anambra would fare better under an APC-led government.
Also speaking at the rally, the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended supporters for their resilience despite the rainfall and urged them to remain peaceful throughout the campaign.
“APC is not known for violence. I want you to shun violence and allow INEC to conduct a free and fair election. Your votes will count, and security agencies will ensure your safety,” Uzodimma said.
While Akpabio’s speech drew applause for its rallying tone, videos that later surfaced online showing the Senate President walking slowly and supported by aides stirred fresh speculation about his health.
The footage reignited debates that first emerged in August 2025, when rumours spread that Akpabio had been hospitalised abroad, a claim he publicly denied, insisting he was “fit as a fiddle.” No official statement has been issued regarding his current condition, and Akpabio’s office has yet to respond to the renewed discussion.
The November 8 election is a crucial test for the APC’s influence in the South-East, where APGA has maintained a political stronghold for nearly two decades.
The ruling party hopes its message of federal inclusion and infrastructure renewal will resonate with voters seeking change.
As the campaign gathers momentum, observers say Akpabio’s presence, both symbolic and strategic, underscores the APC’s bid to project unity and federal backing for its candidates, even as questions about his health inject a note of intrigue into the political narrative.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
