Mass exodus hits Anambra APC as many supporters dump party
Aftermath of recently concluded party primary elections in Anambra State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is experiencing a notable crack, marked by mass resignations of key members.
These members are citing irregularities in the primary election that favourably positioned Nicholas Ukachukwu as the party’s candidate for the November gubernatorial election.
As of Sunday, no fewer than six local government party chairmen have resigned from the party.
In Nnewi South LGA, numerous APC stakeholders and leaders have also chosen to step away from the party. In Njikoka LGA, specifically in Nimo ward, nearly all executive members of the party have handed in their resignations.
The Anambra State APC is facing a serious crisis in Ihiala, Ogbaru, Oyi, Anambra East, and Dunukofia, among other areas, as both LGA and ward officers of the party are leaving in droves.
This mass exodus is seemingly linked to the recent emergence of Sir Paul Chukwuma as the Young People Party (YPP) candidate in the upcoming November governorship election in Anambra State, which took place just two days ago. In the span of just Thursday and Friday, the Anambra APC has already lost hundreds of members.
According to statements released in some of the resignation letters from former APC leaders, stakeholders, and members in Anambra State, the primary reason for their departure was the party’s primary election, which they claim was marred by irregularities.
The fallout from the primary election, which produced Nicholas Ukachukwu as party’s flag bearer, has become a major threat to the stability of the party in Anambra State.
Prior to the APC gubernatorial primary election, prominent aspirant and founding party member Sir Paul Chukwuma resigned from the party.
Another longstanding party member and aspirant, Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, also withdrew from the contest.
On the day of the primary election, yet another aspirant, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, chose to step down from the race.
These series of withdrawals have cast a shadow of doubt over the APC.
A former member of the House of Representatives and formerly on the APC Board of Trustees, Ralph Okeke has tendered his resignation from the APC and has since joined the YPP, where he now serves as a member of the YPP’s Board of Trustees.
Similarly, Mike Ejezie, a key figure in the APC in Ihiala and former State Chairman of the ANPP, has exited the APC to take up the position of YPP’s Southeast Zonal Chairman.
Likewise, Chief Jude Osude, a prominent APC chieftain and community leader in Aguata LGA, is poised to also make the move to the YPP.
