By Emeka Chiaghanam
Party says grassroots members now have a stronger voice as it prepares for future elections
Mazi Ejimofor Opara says APGA remains confident despite emerging political movements and believes its partnership with progressives at the centre will strengthen, not weaken, the party.
The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mazi Ejimofor Opara, has thrown his weight behind the party’s new primary election process, insisting that it is helping to return power to ordinary members and deepen grassroots participation in politics.
Opara spoke on Friday, 19 June 2026, at APGA’s Regional Office in Awka, shortly after successful party primary candidates received their Certificates of Return.
In a wide-ranging interaction with journalists, the APGA spokesman described the evolving electoral process as a work in progress but argued that the introduction of the Option A4-style approach has already begun to transform internal party politics.
According to him, the system has injected fresh life into the party by giving more members a direct role in choosing candidates.
He noted that previous arrangements often concentrated influence in the hands of a few powerful individuals, leaving ordinary party faithful with little say in crucial decisions.
“Now, every member of the party knows that they have a stake in deciding who represents them,” he explained.
While acknowledging that the system may not suit everyone, especially those with personal political interests, Opara maintained that it remains one of the most effective ways of promoting participation at the grassroots level.
APGA Waves Off Emerging Political
Threats
The APGA spokesman was equally dismissive of suggestions that newer political platforms could pose a serious challenge to the party.
Responding to questions about whether groups such as the NDC or ADC could spring surprises in future elections, Opara argued that some of the emerging political formations are driven more by convenience than enduring political ideology.
He described them as temporary alliances created for specific political purposes rather than fully established political parties with deep roots and long-term structures.
In his view, many of such arrangements may struggle to survive once the election season passes.
For APGA, he said, the focus remains on strengthening its own structures, expanding its grassroots reach and consolidating its support base across communities.
Why APGA Is Comfortable Working With
the Party at the Centre
Opara also addressed concerns surrounding APGA’s relationship with the ruling administration at the federal level, particularly after endorsements and collaborations involving progressive political forces.
He rejected suggestions that such cooperation could damage
APGA’s electoral fortunes.
According to him, APGA’s approach is neither new nor unusual.
He pointed out that the party has historically maintained a tradition of supporting governments at the centre when it believes such cooperation serves the broader interests of its people.
To illustrate his point, he recalled how APGA backed former President Goodluck Jonathan despite Jonathan belonging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He also referenced the party’s support for former President Muhammadu Buhari at another point in Nigeria’s political history.
Those decisions, he said, never weakened APGA’s identity or diminished its electoral strength.
Instead, he argued that voters in Anambra and beyond are politically aware and sophisticated enough to distinguish between strategic alliances and party loyalty.
Shared Progressive Values
Looking ahead, Opara said APGA sees greater opportunities in its relationship with President Bola Tinubu’s administration because both sides share similar progressive ideals.
According to him, the cooperation between progressives is rooted in common beliefs about governance and development rather than political convenience.
He stressed that APGA remains committed to its own identity while continuing to engage with like-minded forces where interests align.
For the party, he added, the ultimate goal remains building a stronger political platform, empowering members at the grassroots and positioning APGA for future electoral success.
As preparations for future elections gather pace, Opara’s
message was clear: APGA believes its grassroots strategy, internal reforms and
progressive partnerships will keep it firmly in the political conversation for
years to come.
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