APC Chieftain Michael Okoronkwo (BOKINGS) Joins Labour Party in Alayi, Says Chima Anyaso Motivated Him
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alayi, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Chief Michael Okoronkwo, popularly known as BOKINGS, has defected to the Labour Party, declaring his support for the party’s candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr Chima Anyaso.
Okoronkwo announced his decision during a meeting with Dr Chima Anyaso and his campaign team at his Ezialayi country home, where he said the candidate’s emergence and his visit to the community motivated him to join the Labour Party.
According to him, his decision was informed by his conviction that Bende needs a new approach to political representation and empowerment at the House of Representatives.
“I am joining the Labour Party because of you, Chima Anyaso. For the fact that you stepped in here, you will win your election 100 percent in Alayi.”
He also expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as a political system where people work tirelessly for politicians during elections, only to be left without adequate empowerment after the elections.
“The other people, you will suffer and work for them, and they choose who to empower. We can’t continue that way.”
Responding, Dr Chima Anyaso thanked Okoronkwo for what he described as a bold decision to join the Labour Party, assuring him that he would be treated as a valued member of the party.
“This is the first place we are coming to in Alayi, and I am happy that today our brother is joining the Labour Party because of us.”
Anyaso described the development as a positive indication of growing support for the Labour Party in Bende, stressing that the emerging movement was about providing a new direction for the people.
“I want to thank my brother BOKINGS. What has happened today is a good thing. No matter how darkness fills up a place, light will definitely come.”
He further called on sons and daughters of Bende to support what he described as a people-oriented political movement, stressing that the current political moment should be focused on the collective interests and welfare of Bende people rather than individual interests.
“Every responsible son of Bende should be happy over what is happening. The past is about their pocket; this time is for Bende people. This is the time for Bende people.”
Addressing the people of Alayi, the Labour Party candidate also spoke on the rotation of political representation within Bende Federal Constituency, recalling the understanding surrounding the movement of the House of Representatives seat among the various political blocs within the constituency.
According to Anyaso, the House of Representatives seat previously moved from Alayi to Bende Ward and, based on the understanding, is expected to return to Umunna (Igbere) in 2027 before moving to another ward in Ikwuisii after another eight-year period.
“It is important that everyone joins this train that will offer quality representation to Bende. The House of Representatives power left Alayi and moved to Bende Ward, and in 2027, it will return to Umunna (Igbere) and, after eight years, move to another ward in Ikwuisii.”
He urged the people of Alayi and other communities in Bende to unite behind him, assuring that he would prioritise effective and quality representation for the constituency.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Chima Anyaso Campaign Organization, Pastor Dike Okechukwu, formally welcomed Okoronkwo into the Labour Party and encouraged him to commence the mobilisation of supporters across Alayi and the wider Bende Federal Constituency for the success of the party in the 2027 elections.
The meeting was attended by the Councillor representing Alayi Ward in the Bende Legislative Council, Hon. Okechukwu Okoronkwo; the Deputy Director of Women Mobilization in the Campaign, Dr. Mrs. Naomi Thompson; the Chairman of the Labour Party in Alayi Ward, Mr John Eke Ejere; the Coordinator of Abia Arise in Alayi Ejere Anyaele; as well as other party leaders and supporters.
Signed:
Promise Uzoma Okoro, anipr
Director, Media and Publicity
Chima Anyaso Campaign Organization
