A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Anambra State, Paul Chukwuma, has pledged to introduce community policing to tackle the state’s security challenges if elected in the November 2025 election.
His statement came as the APC welcomed a former chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Ejike Madunagu, into its fold.
Speaking at the APC national secretariat in Abuja after submitting his nomination and expression of interest forms, Chukwuma emphasised the need for grassroots-based security measures to curb the rising wave of crime in Anambra.
“It’s not about what I will do differently, because there is nothing on the ground. Every day, people are kidnapped, and crime persists. We must adopt grassroots-based security policing,” he said.
Chukwuma recalled that Anambra previously had a functional vigilante system before the establishment of the Anambra Homeland Security outfit, but argued that the current system is ineffective.
“The people employed are not even paid by the government. If a foreigner enters your community, you will know. Most of these crimes are perpetrated by outsiders,” he added.
The former APC national auditor also called on the party leadership to uphold a no-zoning arrangement, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants in the governorship race.
At a separate event in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, the APC officially welcomed Madunagu into the party.
The state APC chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, represented by the assistant secretary, Chief Sam Oraegbunam, declared that the party was poised to unseat Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the November 8, 2025, election.
Ejidike accused the governor of failing to protect the lives and property of Anambra residents, citing increasing insecurity as a major concern.
“Insecurity is threatening the people of this state, and the governor has failed in his first term. Look at the level of killings in Anambra,” he stated.
He urged voters to reject APGA at the polls, arguing that only an APC-led government could provide security and economic stability.
“Let us vote for APC on November 8 to put an end to insecurity and financial hardship. APGA is a local party with no national influence. Anambra, as the heart of the South-East, must align with the APC-led Federal Government to enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he added.
Welcoming Madunagu into the APC, the party’s zonal chairman (central), Chief Augustine Muomaife, described APGA as a stumbling block to Anambra’s progress.
“Politics is a vehicle to take you to your destination. Anambra is backward because of APGA. We must align with the APC, which has the federal might. We are serious about winning this governorship election,” Muomaife said.
In his remarks, Madunagu expressed confidence in his decision to join the APC, citing security concerns and lack of government support for his business, Juliemon Estate, which operates in Abuja, Awka, and Oba.
“I left APGA because of the worsening insecurity in Anambra. Lives and property are no longer safe. APGA leadership failed to support my business, so I resolved to join the national party, the APC-led Federal Government,” he stated.
He promised to leverage his new platform to bring federal resources and development to Anambra.
“With my entrance into the APC, I will ensure the dividends of democracy reach the people. APGA lacks the federal power to do this, and I have no regrets leaving for a national party,” Madunagu affirmed.
The APC Oba Ward 1 Chairman, Okwudili Maduemesia, described Madunagu as a “big fish” who would attract more support for the party at the local, state, and national levels.
A ward women leader, Chukwuka Ogochukwu, expressed optimism about the party’s chances in the 2025 election.
“We need more people in the APC. It is the party to beat, and I am confident we will get to Agu Awka (Government House) by November 8,” she declared.
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