By Arinze Igboeli
WHAT was meant to be a routine submission of nomination and expression of interest forms transformed into an unprecedented carnival of political goodwill as Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Dikeora, stormed the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja in line with the process of submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms pursuant to the deadline date of February 26, 2025 as specified by the National Working Committee, NWC of the APC.
The event, which could easily have been mistaken for a mini-rally, saw hundreds of supporters from Anambra State and the diaspora converge in a spectacular display of solidarity that not only created some sort of traffic snag along the riads leading to Blantyre street where the National Secretariat of the APC is located but also left onlookers in awe.
A Sea of Support
The atmosphere at the APC headquarters was electric as early as 11 am when the first buses began arriving with supporters adorned in customized attire bearing Okonkwo’s image. What began as a trickle turned inti a torrentious flood of people as more supporters arrived from various local government areas of Anambra State, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds that transformed the usually formal environment of the party secretariat.
“We’ve seen form submissions before, but nothing like this,” remarked a security personnel at the gate, visibly overwhelmed by the sheer number of enthusiastic supporters who had traveled from far and wide to witness what they described as a “turning point” for Anambra State.
The crowd, comprising women, youth groups, professional associations, and diaspora organizations, moved in coordinated formations, singing solidarity songs in Igbo and English. Traditional dance troupes added cultural depth to the occasion, their rhythmic movements synchronized with talking drums and ogene music that echoed through the premises.
“Dikeora bu nke anyi! Dikeora for Governor!” the crowd chanted repeatedly, creating a festival-like ambiance that attracted the attention of passersby and staff of neighboring buildings who stepped out to witness the spectacle.
A Moment of Camaraderie
The highlight of the event came when Professor Okonkwo, dressed in an resplendent red traditional attire with a red cap and red shoes to match, made his way through the crowd toward the party secretariat, on sighting him a thunderous applause rent the air speaking volumes about his popularity with his own people.
Inside the secretariat, the submission ceremony took on an air of historic significance as Okonkwo presented his completed forms to the APC National Organizing Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, and the Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru. What would typically have been a brief, formal exchange became a moment of camaraderie and shared vision.
“Today marks the beginning of Anambra’s renaissance,” Argungu remarked as he received the forms, his statement triggering another round of applause from party officials present.
The warmth of the exchange between Okonkwo and the party officials didn’t go unnoticed, with Nze Chidi Duru embracing the aspirant in what observers described as a gesture that transcended mere political formality.
“The energy in that room was palpable,” noted a party official who witnessed the submission. “It felt like we were not just receiving forms but welcoming a transformative force into our political fold.”
Intellectual Prowess on Display
Perhaps the most captivating segment of the day’s events came when Professor Okonkwo addressed the APC press corps in an impromptu media parley that showcased his intellectual depth and political sagacity.
Speaking with remarkable eloquence that held journalists spellbound, Okonkwo articulated his vision for Anambra with a clarity that distinguished him from the typical political rhetoric. His command of economic principles, governance strategies, and development paradigms left many in the audience nodding in appreciation of his depth.
When confronted with the contentious issue of zoning that has dominated Anambra’s political discourse, Okonkwo’s response was both measured and masterful. With the precision of an academic and the wisdom of a statesman, he dismantled the arguments for restrictive zoning policies.
“Competence must never be sacrificed on the altar of political convenience,” he asserted, earning murmurs of approval from the journalists. “Anambra deserves the best hands at this critical juncture, regardless of which senatorial zone they come from. My track record speaks for itself, and I invite scrutiny of my capabilities rather than fixation on my geographical origins.”
Going further he elaborated on how each zone had via taken eight years each and that if zoning was sacrosanct then it was the turn of Anambra Central which was his zone .
