By Sunny A. David, Awka
Before a massive crowd estimated at over one million, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), sent a strong message of hope and unity to party faithful in Anambra State, assuring them that they would “never walk alone.”
The event, a mega rally organized by the Anambra State chapter of the APC took place yesterday evening at the All Saints Anglican Cathedral Field, Onitsha. Despite heavy afternoon rain, enthusiastic supporters stood their ground to show solidarity with the party and its governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election.
President Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who preferred to be addressed by his traditional title “Omeluora Nnewi,” prayed for and blessed the sea of supporters.
“The rain was a message of blessings,” Akpabio declared. “Nothing will happen to you. You will go out and vote, and you will be victorious. The message from the center is that you will not walk alone. You will live to remember this day. Peace be with you.”
The President dismissed claims that the APC had an “adopted son” in Anambra, saying the party recognized only its authentic candidate.
“An adopted son is not the same as a biological son. We have our son in Anambra, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and we present him to you as the next Governor of the State,” he said.
Tinubu further called for the full reintegration of the South-East into Nigeria’s political mainstream, emphasizing the need to fulfill the post-civil war promises of Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation.
“The Igbo have walked alone since 1970,” he said. “But henceforth, they shall walk with the center of government. It is time for true integration, for roads, bridges, and infrastructure in the South-East to receive the attention they deserve. You shall no longer walk alone.”
Highlighting the establishment of the South East Development Commission under the current administration, Akpabio reiterated that the government was committed to rebuilding the region.
“We have come from the center to add value to what you are doing. Welcome to the center,” he added.
Speaking afterward, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda urged the people of Anambra to vote out the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), promising a new era of hope and development.
“We have just 196 hours eight days for APGA to end its reign,” Yilwatda declared. “Anambra’s businesses are struggling because of insecurity, and youths lack opportunities. We will restore peace, rebuild schools, and bring prosperity.”
He reaffirmed Ukachukwu’s legitimacy as the party’s only candidate:
“Anyone claiming to be an adopted son in APC is lying. We have only one son Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Ikukuoma Ndi Anambra. There is no counterfeit in APC.”
In his remarks, Prince Ukachukwu thanked supporters and urged them to vote decisively on November 8.
“When you vote APC, we will fix the broken Anambra. The fowl is dead, the umbrella is torn, and with our broom, we will sweep them all away,” he said confidently.
The rally ended with chants of unity and renewed optimism among APC members, as the party gears up for what it calls a historic return to the political heart of Anambra State.