Chukwuma Soludo has announced a major shift within the All Progressives Grand Alliance, declaring that the era of “trade by barter” politics is over and warning that the party will no longer be used as a “rented platform” for personal ambitions.
Speaking at the South-East Zonal Stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, Soludo said APGA is introducing reforms aimed at transparency and internal democracy, including the adoption of the Option A4 voting system for primaries.
In a statement shared via his Facebook page, he said, “Something significant happened at our APGA South-East Zonal Stakeholders’ meeting — the first of its kind in over 20 years. We did not just gather to talk. We gathered to rebuild.
“Let me be blunt: the era of ‘trade by barter’ politics in APGA is over. This party will no longer be a rented platform for personal ambition. The era of the ‘gift-ticket’ must end now. We are building a proper movement where loyalty matters and tickets are not for sale.”
The governor noted that the party has already digitised its membership register to ensure inclusiveness and fairness, adding, “In 2024, we became the first party in Nigeria to fully digitise our membership register. That means every registered member now has the right to vote and be voted for. No more shadows. We have also adopted Option A-4 for our primaries — open, transparent, and fair to all.”
He also stressed the need for financial independence within the party, stating, “But structure without funding is fantasy. That is why we are returning to the ‘student days’ model. Members must own this party through dues.”
Soludo further outlined new guidelines for aspirants and party officials, urging neutrality among executives. “These are tough rules, but serious parties do tough things,” he said.
Calling for unity and discipline, he added, “Let us build a disciplined, national movement anchored on transparency, equity, and justice. The work has begun.”
