By Eze Victor, Abakaliki.
The Chairman of Zelus Group of Companies and Chief Executive Officer of the Zelunjo Empowerment Foundation, Chief Barrister Tochukwu Ogalegu, has congratulated the newly elected State Executive Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, urging the party to prioritize credibility, competence, and grassroots acceptability in selecting candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ogalegu’s remarks followed the emergence of a new state leadership at the APC congress held at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki, where Chief Stanley Okoro Emeghia was elected State Chairman. Hon. Chinedu Nwali and Charles Ofoke were also elected as Deputy Vice Chairman and State Secretary, respectively.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the business leader and philanthropist described the congress as peaceful and transparent, characterizing the outcome as a strategic consolidation of party cohesion and institutional stability within the Ebonyi chapter of the ruling party.
He commended party stakeholders and delegates for what he termed an orderly and disciplined transition, noting that the process underscored the party’s growing internal democracy and organizational maturity.
Ogalegu further acknowledged the stabilizing influence of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, stating that the administration’s leadership had reinforced unity within the party and strengthened governance structures across the state.
The peaceful conduct of the congress is emblematic of a party that understands the imperatives of discipline, consensus-building, and institutional continuity.
“I congratulate the newly elected executives and urge them to approach their mandate with a deep sense of responsibility, strategic foresight, and unwavering loyalty to the progressive ideals of our party,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 electoral cycle, Ogalegu emphasized that the APC must adopt rigorous and merit-driven candidate selection mechanisms to retain public confidence and electoral dominance.
“As we approach another critical electoral watershed, the party must prioritize meritocracy over mediocrity and public trust over personal ambition.
“The electorate is increasingly discerning; they demand visionary, people-centered leadership capable of delivering measurable governance outcomes,” he said.
He maintained that candidates seeking the party’s mandate must demonstrate political capital, integrity, administrative competence, and inclusive leadership capacity, warning against transactional politics and personality-driven ambitions that could undermine party fortunes.
Ogalegu also canvassed sustained support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru, arguing that continuity in governance is essential for consolidating reforms and advancing macroeconomic stability.
“Governance is a continuum. Where reforms are underway and institutional frameworks are being strengthened, strategic continuity becomes indispensable to sustainable development,” he said, stressing the need for alignment between state and federal leadership to maximize development outcomes.
In a broader reflection on Nigeria’s political trajectory, Ogalegu called for the emergence of philanthropists, technocrats, youth-driven reformers, and humanitarian-minded actors into elective politics, asserting that the evolving democratic landscape demands ethical stewardship.
Public office must not be reduced to a platform for opportunism. It is a sacred trust,” he said. “The time has come to enthrone transformative leadership—leadership defined by empathy, competence, and accountability.”
He reiterated his commitment to public service through the Zelunjo Empowerment Foundation, pledging expanded social intervention programs targeting vulnerable and underserved communities across Ebonyi State.
Ogalegu urged APC members to intensify grassroots mobilization, strengthen internal cohesion, and maintain strategic alignment in preparation for the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that unity of purpose and disciplined engagement would secure decisive victories for the party in Ebonyi State and beyond.