Uzochukwu Eminent Takes Helm as Anambra IPAC Chair, Calls for Unity, Stronger Govt Ties
By Chukwujekwu Ilozue, Awka
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has elected a new executive committee in Anambra State.
IPAC is Nigeria’s umbrella body for registered political parties.
The newly elected executive is led by Hon. Uzochukwu Eminent of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
The election was conducted by an Abuja-based committee led by Mr. Lucky Akomire.
Uzochukwu emerged as chairman with nine votes, narrowly defeating Builder Chijioke Okeke of the All Progressives Party (APP), who secured eight votes.
Also elected were Chioma Ifemeludike as deputy chairman; Mrs. Oliseh Ndidi of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) as secretary; and Prince Chinedu Ekwunife as organising secretary.
Other members of the executive include Barrister Ibeneme Ugochukwu as legal adviser; Chinweuba of the Action Alliance (AA) as public relations officer; Sir Nobert Okoli of the Boot Party as financial secretary; Pedro as treasurer; and Benneth Ezeamu of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) as assistant secretary.
In his acceptance speech, the new chairman, Eminent, described the election as a victory for democracy rather than for individuals.
He said that peaceful collaboration among political parties is essential for credible elections and political stability.
“Nobody has lost; nobody has won. What has won is democracy and IPAC,” he said.
He promised to convene consultations aimed at strengthening the council and enhancing cooperation among parties.
Addressing journalists after the vote, Eminent described the process as free and fair, despite what he acknowledged as intense campaigns marked by “rhetoric” and competition. He pledged to prevent factionalism and promote inclusiveness across all member parties.
He also called for stronger engagement between IPAC and the Anambra State Government led by Governor Charles Soludo, noting that the council’s advisory role could support governance and development.
Eminent said the state government had not fully leveraged IPAC’s presence, adding that broader consultation would benefit policymaking.
He nonetheless acknowledged the governor’s performance, stating that “the man is delivering,” while urging him to carry all political stakeholders along.
He further stressed that governance in Anambra should be a collective responsibility, warning against concentrating decision-making in a single office.
According to him, inclusive leadership that draws from diverse political perspectives would strengthen the state’s development and democratic culture.
The IPAC chairman also underscored his commitment to collective leadership within the council, describing his position as “first among equals.”
He said decisions would be guided by consensus rather than personal authority, reflecting democratic principles within the organisation.
In his farewell remarks, outgoing chairman Comrade Uche Ugwuoji, who led IPAC in the state for five years, thanked members, INEC observers, and the electoral committee for their support.
He stressed the importance of unity among political parties, noting that disagreements during elections should not undermine collective democratic goals.
“We may quarrel during elections, but we unite after,” Ugwuoji said.
He urged members to support the new leadership.
In her brief remarks, the newly elected secretary, Mrs. Oliseh Ndidi, pledged to serve diligently and strengthen administrative coordination within the council.
She also called on members to remain united in advancing IPAC’s objectives in Anambra State.
Speaking further, the electoral committee chairman, Akomire, described the exercise as one of the most peaceful IPAC elections he has overseen across Nigeria.
He noted that similar exercises have been conducted in 27 states.
He, however, observed that major parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) often do not actively participate in IPAC elections nationwide.
