BY Ogochukwu Nwaokafor

A group under the auspices of Anambra Independent Media Support has organized a 2023 Media Debate for All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), Anambra Chapter.

The Debate which was held in Awka, on Sunday, 21st May with the Theme " Anambra APGA Chairmanship Debate" was aimed at giving the aspirants a more coordinated platform to share their visions and aspirations for APGA and Anambra people with audience, media personalities physically present

Speaking at the opening remark, Director general, Anambra Independent Media Support Group Organization,Dr Chuma Odili Harris Udokamma popularly known as OGENE IGBO disclosed today's event as a town hall interactive session not a debate because the word debate scares alot of people, In his words the interactive session is organized for the aspirants to share their visions and aspirations for APGA and Anambra people .

'Times are changing, and political awareness is deepening on daily basis, so much that the youths are beginning to take active interest in the politics of the state and the nation in general; so be conscious of the fact that you are going to be dealing with a new population of youths who will hold you accountable when you emerge as the chosen one, and when there are missteps on your part, be sure that they will do everything that is legally right to get back at you.'

'Do not judge the aspirants based on their diction or oratory. Judge them based on what they are bringing to the table and how transformative their ideas are, because we have moved from the era of talkers to the era of doers.

'I urge all of you to take note of the ideas being propounded by one another to know the ones that will be helpful to you when you emerge the ultimate winners during the Congress, because only one of you will win, and this will not mean that the others are losers, especially when ideas they have brought to this forum are imbibed and deployed by the ultimate winner.

Speaking during the debate, Hon Ebele Onyekwulu expressed disappointment over the low performance of the party in the last election. 'Our last outcome in the just concluded election is not encouraging and I want to restructure our great party. As an experienced secretary in Dunukaofia LGA, I am qualified and beg you all to vote for me'.

Chief Anthony Nchekwube (Dunga), on his own part noted that Awka North where he hails from have been marginalised since inception of APGA in the state yet the communities have contributed major votes in the party's winning.

He condemned violence within the part and called for unity as a way of building the strength of a political party while assuring of his competence, capacity and good will to lead the party to greater height if elected.

Chief Ifeatu Obiokoye maintained that 'I am not in the race not for Idemili or Ogidi peope, I am running to improve the party, bring better perspective, bring better ways of empowering the people. I am bringing in my years of experience, it is on record. He added that he was aspiring to be chairman because of his experience and value he had'.

Hon Dr Obiadi Tochukwu, I was the Director General of APGA campaign team and I believe I have the capacity and pledged to lead the true mantra 'Onye ayana nwanne ya'. My office will be open and will make an open door policy from the state to the grassroots.

Other candidates who participated at the debate were Comrade Uche Egbebike, Hon. Chike Odoji, Hon Ofoma Ojuah.

Meanwhile the judges include the Convener, Dr Harris Chuma, MD National light Newspaper, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, the Vice Chairman NUJ Council, Southeast, Comr Emma Ifeshinachi, and veteran Okechukwu Maduforo of News Telegram.