Tomorrow’s Primary: APGA’s Death or Survival

From AFAM AMINU CHIMEZIE (ONITSHA) 
Residents of Anambra State are presently witnessing the movement of soldiers suspected to were drafted from 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha following the plan(s) to conduct the primary election for APGA, which is the ruling party in the State.

The deployment of soldiers in all nooks and crannies of the State capital, Awka, especially the venue of the event may not be unconnected with public perception of looming violence if the primary election is not seen to be free and fair.

However, there are indications that the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano is in favor of the former Central Bank Governor, Prof.Chukwuma Soludo as his preferred replacement after serving out his two terms.

Unfortunately, it was gathered that Prof.Soludo who is said not to be popular among party stakeholders has been penciled down by Gov.Obiano to fly the flag of the party in the November 6th governorship election.

If tomorrow’s primary election turns out far from being credible, it may be the journey to the end of APGA existence as a formidable party in Anambra politics.

It was alleged that the party has been factionalized following the disqualification of some aspirants in the recently concluded party screening.

One of the disqualified aspirants and members representing Aguata Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. C Sukuma Umeoji had petitioned the Party National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant bodies over his predicament.

Umeoji’s camp is alleged to have sworn that he would continue to fight through all legal and possible means until his disqualification is upturned. 

The camp accused Gov.Obiano and the National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Oye of plotting against his emergence to pave way for Prof. Soludo to emerge as the party’s candidate.

Another thorn in the flesh of the government and APGA hierarchy is Hon. Okwudili Ezenwankwo, a lawmaker representing Orumba North and South in the National Assembly.

Hon. Ezenwankwo, a former market leader is said to be very popular among APGA faithful and other major stakeholders, especially among traders where he demonstrated his strong and cohesive leadership qualities.

The majority of residents of Anambra State are traders and can boldly testify Ezenwankwo’s popularity.

The former market leader turned politician has also vowed to remain in the race and work for the progress of the party in the State as long as the governorship primary turns out credible.

Ironically, the federal lawmaker has continued to campaign within the party circle to emerge as its governorship candidate.

Bar. Iloegbune Okoye, Chairman, Okwudili Ezenwankwo Foundation in an interview recently had stated that the party should choose between being in starters or unity from the outcome of tomorrow’s primary.

Bar. Okoye, former NBA Chairman, Aguata Branch said that from the body language of the party, it seemed that APGA had chosen the path of dishonor.

It is evidenced in the Anambra State Broadcasting Service (ABS), the State radio the manner the station allegedly favors and projects Prof.Soludo against other aspirants.

The movement of soldiers in Awka and the commercial town of Onitsha is terrifying considering the volatile security situation in the state and the entire southeast and Nigeria.