The former minister of labour and employment, Senator Chris Ngige, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over power from the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra in 2025.

Mr Ngige, a former governor of Anambra, said this on Saturday while speaking to journalists at his home in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area, during the distribution of palliatives to party members, persons with disabilities and the elderly.

He admitted that APC had two factions in the state but 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 the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD) to Action Congress (AC) to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and finally birthed as the 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.

Mr Ngige, also a former governor of Anambra, said he was optimistic that the APC would successfully resolve its crisis and work to take over the state in 2025.

He said that victory was not won on a platter but needed extra hard work, warning that the era of writing election results in hotel rooms was over.

“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 the expectations of being a foundation member and demonstrate tolerance to others by showing them the light.”

Mr Ngige, however, disclosed that he was still on sabbatical and resting, saying that by May 2025, he would decide on his next line of action.

Speaking earlier, George Moghalu, former managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and APC chieftain in Anambra, warned against the imposition of candidates ahead of the 2025 governorship election in the state.

He also urged new party entrants to join the queue, as anything contrary would frustrate the chances of the party producing Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s successor.

According to Mr Moghalu, it is ironic for a tenant to sack the landlord.

(NAN)