Bianca Ojukwu, the widow of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, remains a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) despite her recent appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Sly Ezeokenwa, the chairman of APGA, made this clarification on Wednesday during an interview with Channels TV.
Ezeokenwa’s statement came in response to questions surrounding Bianca Ojukwu’s political affiliations, particularly after her appointment to the ministerial position by the president.
Bianca Ojukwu, who is not a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was appointed by Tinubu despite her continued membership with APGA.
In the interview, Ezeokenwa strongly emphasized that Bianca Ojukwu remains an active member of APGA, stating, “She (Bianca) is a member of APGA, she is a BoT (Board of Trustees) member of the party till date, she has not resigned her membership of the party.”
The APGA chairman further explained that the party had granted Bianca Ojukwu permission to accept the ministerial role.
“We granted her permission to take up this appointment. It was an informed decision, one that aligns with the party’s vision of national unity and progress,” he said.
Ezeokenwa also shared that he personally reached out to President Tinubu after the 2023 election results were affirmed by the Supreme Court. He said, “The earliest call I did to the president was to ensure now that you have won the election, and the Supreme Court has affirmed your election as the president of Nigeria, it is now time to close ranks.”
The APGA chairman noted that the current political landscape requires building bridges across party lines. “The people who can help you achieve your manifesto may not always be within your party. You have technocrats in other political parties who can contribute meaningfully to national development,” he added.
The appointment of Bianca Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has raised questions about the relationship between APGA and the APC, especially as it is rare for members of opposition parties to accept ministerial roles in a ruling government.
However, Ezeokenwa’s comments appear to put these concerns to rest, as he insists that the ministerial role does not signal a shift in party loyalty. Instead, it represents an opportunity for APGA to support the president’s governance and contribute to Nigeria’s foreign policy.
Despite not officially joining the APC, Bianca Ojukwu’s appointment highlights the growing trend of cross-party collaboration in Nigerian politics, with politicians across party lines being selected for key government positions.
Bianca Ojukwu’s continued membership in APGA is seen as a significant point of distinction, especially given her influential role in the party as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Her political involvement and her family’s legacy have made her a prominent figure within APGA. Her appointment by President Tinubu could further cement her position as an influential figure in Nigerian politics, as she balances her role within the ruling government and her party affiliation.
While the appointment may have sparked debate about party loyalty and political strategy, the APGA chairman is clear in his support of the decision. He stressed that the ministerial role is in line with APGA’s broader vision of national progress and unity.
This appointment also highlights a key challenge faced by President Tinubu’s administration: the need to incorporate diverse expertise from across Nigeria’s political spectrum. Many see this as an opportunity for the president to tap into the experience and wisdom of individuals like Bianca Ojukwu, who brings both political acumen and international experience to her new role.
Bianca Ojukwu’s ministerial appointment may prove to be a critical moment in Nigerian politics, as it sets a precedent for more flexible and pragmatic political partnerships, even in the face of party differences.
As the administration moves forward, it remains to be seen how other opposition party members may view such appointments and whether more cross-party collaboration will occur. However, for now, APGA’s support for Bianca Ojukwu’s ministerial role underscores the party’s commitment to contributing positively to Nigeria’s governance.
Ezeokenwa’s statement reflects a growing trend of political pragmatism in Nigeria, where political parties, despite ideological differences, recognize the importance of working together for the greater good of the country.
“We are all working towards one Nigeria,” Ezeokenwa concluded. “It is time for all of us to come together and help achieve the national goals that will lead to the progress and development of the country.”
