By CHARLES IWUOHA

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected a new South-East zonal executive through a consensus arrangement at a well-attended congress held in Enugu.

The congress, which took place at the Hotel Presidential, drew top party figures including Hope Uzodimma, Francis Nwifuru, and Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, alongside other key stakeholders.

At the end of the exercise, delegates adopted a consensus list, producing Ijeoma Arodiogbu as the new zonal chairman to lead the party in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Uzodimma, who chairs the South-East Governors’ Forum, emphasized unity and national interest, conveying the goodwill of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressing optimism about the country’s economic direction.

Explaining the adoption of consensus, he noted that the approach aligns with the party’s constitution and was designed to foster cohesion while ensuring a smooth and timely process.

The congress progressed with a motion by Nwifuru to dissolve the outgoing zonal executive, which was seconded by Patrick Ndubueze.

Subsequently, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, presented the list of consensus candidates for ratification.

He also moved motions to formally adopt consensus as the mode of election in line with the Electoral Act, as well as to affirm the outcomes of prior ward, local government, and state congresses.

The motions received overwhelming support from delegates, with Eugene Uchenna Ugwu seconding the proposals.

Other members of the newly constituted zonal executive include Innocent Itakpa Azuoba as Secretary; Rex Mayor Ogbonna as Legal Adviser; Henry Onwughalaonye as Publicity Secretary; Chima Kenneth Ogbonnaya as Youth Leader; Nwachukwu; Oby Aji; and Arinze Ikedife.

In his remarks, Mbah described the congress as a clear demonstration of unity and strength within the party in the South-East, noting that the outcome has dispelled predictions of internal division.

The event also attracted prominent party stalwarts, including Ken Nnamani, Emma Eneukwu, and several federal lawmakers such as Osita Izunaso, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Uche Ekwunife, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Kelvin Chukwu, and Osita Ngwu.