By Isaac Chukwurah
Ihiala Local Government Area defied scepticism, overcame fear, and silenced security concerns on last Saturday with a massive rally which endorsed Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for a second term.
The gathering also pledged strong backing for Emma Nwachukwu, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate in the August 16 Anambra South Senatorial election rerun, reaffirming the community’s resolve to secure victory for both Nwachukwu and the party.
Held at St. Martin’s Primary School, Odoata, Ihiala, the rally was a vibrant display of unity and loyalty to APGA. Addressing the crowd, the Deputy Governor described the event as a clear reflection of improved safety in the area, recalling the gunmen’s attack during the 2021 election and contrasting it with the calm, peaceful and joyful atmosphere of the day.
Senatorial candidate Emma Nwachukwu received a rousing welcome, while the Member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency distributed palliatives, including a Siena bus for security operations across the 11 wards, bicycles for frontline APGA members, and 50 sewing and grinding machines for selected women in the LGA.
The Mayor of Ihiala declared the council area’s firm solidarity with Governor Soludo’s re-election bid, while the Member representing Ihiala Constituency 2 in the State House of Assembly reaffirmed support and urged the state government to complete the Azia–Ukpo road.
ANCISRO Managing Director, Sir Chuka I. Nnabuife who hails from the local government area, appraised the rally as an evidence that sensationalised reports about Ihiala are largely unfounded, citing the impressive turnout, the four-hour incident-free atmosphere, and the visible commitment to the “Solution Agenda” from both leaders and residents. He called on Ihiala indigenes to give solid backing to Governor Soludo and Deputy Governor Ibezim in the 8th November gubernatorial election and to vote overwhelmingly for Nwachukwu on 16th August.
The Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Barr. Ngodili, Member representing Ihiala Constituency 1, voiced confidence: “On Saturday, 16 August, Ihiala will win in a landslide – and repeat it on 8 November.”
The rally attracted prominent APGA stakeholders, including National Chairman Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa; Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr Somto Udeze; State Chief of Staff, Ernest Ezeajughi; APGA Vice Chairman (Anambra South), Chief Ikem ‘Surplus’ Ewuzie; and other influential political leaders from Ihiala.
The event was organised by the Ihiala LGA chapter of APGA under the leadership of Chief Chijioke Okoye.
