The National Executive Council of the Coalition of Patriotic Democrats (CPD) on Thursday, May 16, 2025, officially inaugurated the executive leadership of its Imo State Chapter. The event, held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, marked a significant step in CPD’s grassroots engagement and advocacy for sustainable democratic governance in Nigeria.
Hon. High Chief Ako Atuloma, the National Coordinator of CPD, presided over the inauguration ceremony. In his keynote address, he underscored the core mission of the organization — to promote the effective implementation of government programs and ensure the equitable distribution of democratic dividends, especially at the grassroots level.
He stressed that supporting the government in power helps conserve national resources that might otherwise be lost to political conflicts and distractions. According to Atuloma, continuity and cooperation between civil society and government can curb resource mismanagement and enhance development outcomes. “CPD is committed to transparency, accountability, and good governance,” he said. “Our role is to monitor the disbursement and utilization of resources at all levels—federal, state, and local—ensuring that public funds are not diverted or misappropriated.”
Atuloma differentiated CPD from other political pressure groups, criticizing those that exploit advocacy for selfish political gain. He emphasized CPD’s role as a non-partisan, patriotic organization dedicated to good governance and public service delivery. “CPD exists to serve as a conduit, not for stealing public funds, but for ensuring that palliatives and empowerment programs reach the intended beneficiaries. Many citizens are unaware that funds are released by the government for their welfare, which are often hijacked by local political actors,” he remarked.
The event also featured the official unveiling of the newly constituted Imo State Executive Chapter. Chief Oliver Nwagbalaoso JP was introduced as the State Coordinator, alongside other key officers including the State Treasurer, zonal coordinators, local government area coordinators, ward executives, and the South East Project Coordinator, Dr. Obinna.
In his inaugural speech, Chief Nwagbalaoso expressed gratitude to the national leadership, describing CPD as a “reliable and dependable” grassroots-driven organization. He called for patriotic engagement in the political space, stressing the need for credible, God-fearing leaders to emerge through people-focused mobilization. “Imo State, with its 27 LGAs and 305 political wards, is a strategic hub in the South East and South South regions. With CPD’s presence now active across the state, we are poised to support the emergence of trustworthy leaders and ensure electoral processes become more credible and people-oriented,” Nwagbalaoso stated.
He reaffirmed CPD’s apolitical stance, noting that the group is not aligned with any political party but is instead focused on identifying and supporting individuals of integrity and competence across all levels of governance.
Other key speakers at the event included High Chief Chuks Osuji (Owerri Zonal Coordinator), Chief Alex Nnorom (Okigwe Zonal Secretary, representing the Zonal Coordinator), and Dr. Ogbonna B.C (Orlu Zonal Coordinator). Each lauded the national leadership’s initiative and pledged unwavering support for the organization’s objectives.
Also speaking were the South East Woman Leader and Youth Leader (names withheld), both of whom advocated for greater inclusion of women and youth in governance. They urged political actors to prioritize the welfare of these groups beyond tokenistic engagement.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Val Igwebuike, marking the end of a day dedicated to patriotic reflection, organizational unity, and renewed commitment to Nigeria’s democratic advancement.
Report Compiled by: Fredrick Njoku.