By Our Reporter

The Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Pius Okoye, has appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to uphold his victory in the party’s recently concluded primary election.

Okoye made the appeal during a strategic meeting with members of the Obizi Women Association at his residence in Amawbia, where he addressed concerns surrounding the outcome of the party’s shadow poll.

Speaking on the controversy, the lawmaker urged the party leadership to respect the wishes of party members who participated in the primary election.

“I call on the leadership of our great party to uphold the mandate freely given to me by APGA members during the primary election. The voices of our party faithful must be respected, and the democratic process must be protected,” he said.

According to him, any attempt to overturn the outcome of the exercise would undermine the confidence of party members and weaken the party’s democratic credentials.

“When the collective will of party members is disregarded, it creates unnecessary divisions and exposes the party to avoidable electoral risks. We must remain committed to justice, fairness and transparency if we are to emerge stronger ahead of the general elections,” Okoye stated.

Addressing rumours of a possible defection following the crisis, the Deputy Speaker reaffirmed his loyalty to APGA and dismissed speculation that he was considering joining another political party.

“Let me make it clear that I remain a loyal and committed member of APGA. My focus is on resolving these issues within the party and working towards a stronger and more united APGA,” he added.

In their response, leaders of the Obizi Women Association passed a vote of confidence in the Deputy Speaker, praising his legislative achievements and representation of his constituents.

A representative of the association said, “Rt. Hon. Okoye has distinguished himself through effective representation and quality leadership. We stand with him and urge the party leadership to ensure that justice prevails.”

The association further called on APGA leaders to uphold transparency and democratic principles in handling the outcome of the primary election, stressing that fairness would strengthen the party’s chances of success in the forthcoming general elections.

anambradaily