Our Reporter
A former member of the Enugu State House of Assembly that represented Nsukka West State Constituency, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ugwuerua, over the weekend organized a sensitization programme for members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibagwa-Ani–Ibagwa Agu–Okpaligbo Ward of Nsukka local government area of the State for the party’s ongoing nationwide membership e-registration exercise.
The event, which was held at his residence in Ibagwa-Ani community, Nsukka Local Government Area, was aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structure, attracted over 200 APC faithful, including members of the Hausa community resident in the area.
Addressing the people, Hon. Ugwuerua described the e-registration exercise as a strategic move to deepen internal democracy and ensure proper documentation of the true party members. He noted that political relevance in modern democracy is driven by data, numbers and active participation, emphasizing that registration gives party members a sense of belonging as well as stronger voice in party affairs.
He added that active participation in the exercise would enhance the political visibility of the Ward and position it for greater consideration in party decisions, appointments and development initiatives.
“Politics nowadays is driven by numbers and proper documentation. Active participation in politics involves membership registration, attending party meetings, obtaining voter’s card and voting during elections. Time has come for our people to advance and show their unalloyed support to the ruling party in the local government, state and at the federal level by coming out en mass for the ongoing e-registration of the All Progressives Congress,” he said.
Ugwuerua also emphasized that the level of influence a ward has within the party is determined by its membership strength.
“Our collective participation in this exercise is imperative because that is the only parameter that determines the level of influence our electoral ward is going to command within the party. If our people refuse to register, our voices will not be heard and we are likely going to lose some privileges and opportunities. Let us rise to the challenge and register in our numbers so that we will be counted, and become strong and relevant,” he added.
He assured participants that the registration process is free, simple and transparent, urging them to ignore misinformation and mobilize their families, friends and supporters to take part in the exercise.
The former lawmaker commended members of the Hausa community for their turnout and support for the APC, describing it as historic.
“This is the first time in history that the Hausa community has come out to openly declare support for a political party in this community,” he said, assuring them of transparent political alignment and collaboration. He noted that the APC remains an accommodating party that has improved the welfare of citizens across the three tiers of government.
He extolled the leadership of Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, and Hon. Jude Chinedu Asogwa, Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Area, saying they have lived up to their campaign promises to the people.
In his remarks, the Seriki Hausa Wa of Nsukka West and Chief Imam of Ibagwa-Ani Central Mosque, Dalami Audu Mohammed, said the Hausa community in the area had resolved to join and give maximum support to the APC at all levels of government, noting that “the party is doing well.” He commended Hon. Ugwuerua for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the party.
Also speaking, Hon. Juliet Oloto, a party stakeholder, dismissed insinuations that the APC is a tribal party, stressing that it is open to all Nigerians irrespective of tribe or religion. She urged other stakeholders to emulate Hon. Ugwuerua’s initiative and appealed to members to actively participate in the e-registration exercise.
Other speakers at the event included Hon. Silas Onyebuchi Eze, councillor representing the ward in the Nsukka Local Government Legislative Council; Hon. Bennett Asogwa, APC caretaker chairman; Princess Nkem Oloto, former member of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ESUBEB); Barr. Emma Asogwa; and the President-General of Ibagwa-Ani Town Union, Mr. Frederick Eze. They described the sensitization programme as timely and crucial to galvanizing grassroots support for the APC in the area.
The highpoint of the programme was the official e-registration of Hon. Ugwuerua and Princess Nkem Oloto.
