Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State have openly criticized President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to appoint Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as a minister-designate, calling the move a “betrayal of party loyalty.”
During an emergency meeting in Awka on Thursday, APC stakeholders expressed frustration over the president’s choice, noting that he made the appointment without consulting the party members. High Chief Bunty Onuigbo, the South East Zonal Secretary of APC and member of the APC Elders Forum in Anambra, stated that this decision has hurt party morale and questioned its impact on member loyalty in the state.
Onuigbo voiced concerns, suggesting that this appointment could prompt APC members in Anambra to leave for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He wondered if the president might be unintentionally strengthening APGA’s influence in the region at the APC’s expense. He went on to criticize APGA for benefiting exclusively from programs and empowerment schemes, claiming that APGA takes full credit for initiatives that should involve all parties.
The APC leaders announced plans to bring their grievances about the appointment to the state chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, who will formally present the matter to the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) for review.
In related news, former youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chidi Chidebe, has been elected as the new state chairman. Chidebe won the seat on Thursday, defeating his opponent, Amechi Onowu, with a vote of 1,080 to 960. The Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, who oversaw the election, encouraged Chidebe to rebuild the party and reconcile any conflicts among members.