Connect with us

Politics

APC may reject  Anambra guber primary poll as petitions, violence, protests mar process. … Aspirants, stakeholders set to dump party

Published

4 months ago

on

APC logo
By Our Reporter
There are strong indications that the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may likely cancel the outcome of the just concluded Anambra governorship primary has following the  allegations of malpractices, manipulation, violence and other undemocratic practices recorded at the election.
According to sources this unhealthy practices  allegedly resulted in the resignation and withdrawal from the race by some aspirants before and after the exercise.
A major contender in the race,Chief Chukwuma Umeoji, who was the first to withdraw from the race on Friday before the exercise started, claimed that the action was prompted by decisions reached after consultations with supporters who faulted the process and the undue interference by the party leadership in the process.
Another foundation member of the party, Paul Chukwuma, announced immediate resignation from the APC barely 24 hours to the primary election citing undemocratic practices as reasons for dumping his membership of the party.
In his resignation letter, Chukwuma, a former National Auditor of the party said: “I write to formally notify you (the party) of my resignation as a card carrying member of the APC.
“My decision finds expression in the quest to connect Anambra State to national politics by building a broader and all encompassing political movement within Anambra State in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
As the primary was underway on Saturday, another foremost aspirant, Obiora Okonkwo also announced his withdrawal from the APC Governorship internal election citing lack of confidence in the process.
Obiora Okonkwo, a prominent contender in the governorship primary election, officially withdrew his candidacy, citing concerns over issues that clash with personal principles and the safety of his supporters.
In a letter addressed to the party and his supporters, Okonkwo said his choice was “difficult but necessary,” pointing out that, after thorough reflection, he could no longer pursue the party’s gubernatorial ticket.
He noted the significant risks posed to the lives of his supporters as a primary factor in his sudden decision.
“After careful assessment of the current dynamics surrounding the APC’s primary election in Anambra State, I have resolved to withdraw my aspiration for the party’s governorship nomination. This choice was not made lightly, but I believe it is necessary due to developments incongruent with my values. No political endeavor is worth jeopardizing the lives of my supporters,” Okonkwo said in the letter.
While he did not elaborate on the specific issues which prompted his withdrawal, he said ensuring the safety of his supporters remained his foremost concern.
Despite stepping back from the race, Okonkwo reaffirmed his dedication to the advancement of Anambra and the overall progress of Nigeria while also expressing strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives adding that he is committed to engaging in efforts that promote socio-economic and political development within the state and the country.
“My commitment to public service endures, and I will continue to contribute to the socio-economic and political betterment of Anambra State and our nation, Nigeria.
I will persist in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s development programmes aimed at fostering economic growth for the welfare of our citizens,” Okonkwo said.
In the statement, Okonkwo expressed gratitude to his political associates, stakeholders, and supporters, recognizing their solidarity and trust throughout his campaign endeavours. He acknowledged the enriching experiences  gained through interactions with passionate Anambra people.
“I am deeply appreciative of the trust and backing shown to me by my political associates, supporters, and stakeholders within the APC and beyond. Your support has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many dedicated Anambrarians,” Okonkwo concluded.
Prior to Okonkwo’s withdrawal, three other aspirants had also opted out of the APC governorship primary race. They are Chukwuma Umeoji, a former member of the House of Representatives, who withdrew on Friday after consultations with his supporters, while Paul Chukwuma opted to resign from the party entirely.
With Okonkwo’s exit, the field was left open for Nicholas Ukachukwu, a former federal lawmaker; Valentine Ozigbo, the PDP candidate from the 2021 governorship election; Johnbosco Onunkwo; and Edozie Madu.
Earlier, Chukwuma Umeoji said he withdrew from the race for personal reasons, stating that: “this decision was made in good faith following consultations with my supporters across the state.”
The APC issued a statement thereafter and according to the reaction signed by National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Felix Morka, the APC thanked the aspirant for bowing out honourably from the race: “Our great party thanks Umeoji for his aspiration and dedicated support of the party in Anambra state and nationally.
“It is our hope that Rt. Hon. Umeoji will do all in his power to support and work for the victory of the eventual gubernatorial flagbearer of our great party in the November 8, 2025 Anambra state gubernatorial election,” the party statement said.
Meanwhile, the seven-member primary election petitions committee headed by the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu has concluded arrangements to start reviewing series of petitions emanating from aggrieved aspirants over the election, according to the Chairman of the Primary Election Committee.
The party has also named Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman Bichi as the Chairman of the Primary Election Appeal Committee to consider claims and objections that may follow after the work of the petitions committee.
The APC has not announced any winner as at midday on Sunday when this report was filed.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Politics

Governor Adeleke is not Joining ADC Nor Aligning with Anyone in ADC- Spokesperson

Published

1 day ago

on

August 2, 2025

By

Gov Ademola Adeleke of Osun state

By David Owei, Bayelsa

Governor Ademola Adeleke is not defecting to African Democratic Congress (ADC) nor aligning with anybody within the ADC ahead of the 2026 state elections, his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has disclosed.

Responding to media publication and enquiries, the Spokesperson affirmed that Governor Adeleke remains in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is going to win, with wide margins, the 2026 governorship elections on the platform of the PDP.

The statement reads further: “Our attention has been drawn to news reports and media enquiries about the imminent defection of Governor Adeleke to the ADC or alignment with ADC big wigs ahead of the 2026 governorship race. There is no truth in those publications and speculations.

“First of all, we, the PDP Osun, have already adopted and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, so there is no alliance with ADC.

“Secondly, Governor Adeleke has no alliance with anyone in ADC. He remains in PDP, will run in PDP, and needs no alliance with ADC to win with a wide margin in 2026.

“The Osun electorate supports Governor Adeleke because of his impressive performance since he came to office. That good work is still ongoing and Osun people are committed to sustaining the delivery of good governance by re-electing Governor Adeleke in 2026”, the Spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Governor Adeleke urges PDP members to forge ahead with the ongoing strengthening of the party structures across all levels to prepare for fresh victory next year”, the statement from the Spokesperson concluded.

Continue Reading

Politics

INC rejects bill granting exclusive co-chairmanship to Ooni, Sultan

Published

4 days ago

on

July 30, 2025

By

Second Vice Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Alabo Nengi James

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The umbrella body of Ijaw Elders, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has rejected the Bill in the Senate seeking to permanently elevate the Ooni of Ife and Sultan of Sokoto as the exclusive Co-chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council.

The INC said the move would be at the expense of apex traditional rulers from other ethnic nationalities and geopolitical divides.

The Second Vice Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Alabo Nengi James (OON) said, in a statement on Sunday in Odi, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government area of Bayelsa State, the proposal is a continuos infringement on Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.

Alabo Nengi James describes the provision of the Bill as unacceptable and against the Rights of the indigenous People across tribes, Religion, Culture and Customs.

He said the Bill should be reviewed to include clauses such as No permanent Chairmanship for Sultan and Oni only must be allowed in the ongoing bill being discussed in the Senate.

He advocates that the National Assembly should allow the National Council of Traditional Rulers to Appoint their Leadership themselves, rotationaly and based on Federal Character.

“Include the Role of Traditional Rulers into the Constitutio and No Traditional Ruler from another tribe or religion is superior to another.”

“The National Assembly should Step down the Provocative and dehumanizing offensive Bill that will cause a serious rift and breach of peace in Nigeria.”

Chief James called the attention of the Senate President, Rt. Hon. Godswill Akpabio, urging him to immediately step down what he termed a “highly insensitive and dangerous bill.”

He emphasized that traditional rulers across the country must be given equal recognition and should be allowed to choose their national leadership through internal mechanisms that reflect rotational leadership and the federal character system.

Continue Reading

Politics

Alleged Deportation of Nigerians in Ghana: Sen Aniekan urges Nigerians to remain 

Published

5 days ago

on

July 29, 2025

By

Senate in session in the chamber
By George Mgbeleke
The attention of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)  has been drawn to a disturbing video on social media showing a protest by some Ghanaians calling on the authority to send Nigerians back to Nigeria alleging that their behaviours and attitudes were not in conformity with the norms of Ghana.
In a statement,Chairman Senate Committee on Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Senator Bassey Aniekan, “the widespread indignation against Nigerians living in Ghana and branding them as criminals should be condemned by all.”
He reiterated that Nigerians are hardworking people and not criminals as purported  and are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves.
He added that while not denying the fact that there may be some bad individuals amongst them, the generality of Nigerians he stressed, are peaceful and law abiding people.
Furthermore, he pointed out the long standing relationship and partnership, the two countries have had over the years emphasizing that Ghana and Nigeria are brothers and  in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration, should continue to live in peace, stressing that dialogue has proven countless times to be a tool for peace and should be deployed.
The Senate Committee Chair on Diaspora and NGOs appealed for calm and urged Nigerians living in Ghana to exercise restraint, avoid provocation restraint, of any sort and to resist reprisal attacks as the issue is being handled.
Senator Aniekan confirmed that he had received reports that the issue is being addressed at the diplomatic level by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
He cautioned against the use of inciteful words by individuals on both sides, as  such statements are capable of aggravating the problem and further putting pressure on an already tensed atmosphere.
Senator Bassey Aniekan, also advised Nigerians to disregard the videos trending on line that Nigerians’ shops and properties are being destroyed by Ghanaians as there is no evidence to buttress such claims.
The Chairman applauded Ghanaian and  Nigerian High  Commissioners for their efforts to control the situation, adding that the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs , has also been in touch with Ghanaian authorities and had taken some pro- active measures to put the situation under control.
Continue Reading

Latest

Law & Crime15 hours ago

Niger CP orders arrest ot district head for allegedly masterminding murder of an NYSC member 

  By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna The Commissioner of Police in Niger State,CP Abdullahi Adamu Elleman,has called upon to as a matter...
Politics1 day ago

Governor Adeleke is not Joining ADC Nor Aligning with Anyone in ADC- Spokesperson

By David Owei, Bayelsa Governor Ademola Adeleke is not defecting to African Democratic Congress (ADC) nor aligning with anybody within...
Law & Crime1 day ago

sledgehammer on a Chief Magistrate, Shariah, Court Judge, senior Registrar others if..Niger NJC threatens Judicial workers

    By Uthman Baba- Naseer,Minna As part of measures put in place to instill discipline in the Niger State...
Oil & Gas1 day ago

Niger Delta: Bayelsa CDC Chairman Tasks Renaissance On Improved CSR

By David Owei,Bayelsa The Community Development Committee (CDC), Chairman of Elebele Community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa...
Sports1 day ago

Bayelsa Queens chairman hails Gov.Diri for Rewarding Team

  By David Owei,Bayelsa The chairman of Bayelsa Queens FC, Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala has hailed Governor Douye Diri for...
Uncategorized1 day ago

2nd Phase Leaders Complete Training on Leadership and Mediation – Gen. Elaye Lauds Otuaro’s Visionary Drive

By David Owei,Bayelsa The 2nd Phase Camp Leaders’ training on “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation”, sponsored by the Presidential...
Editorial1 day ago

NYSC is cornerstone for national identity-Gov.Diri

  By David Owei,Bayelsa The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri has described the NYSC as the corner...
Editorial1 day ago

Bayelsa United confirms Coach Ladan Bosso abscondment from duty …writes Secetary-General of NFF

  By Amos Okioma Management of the Bayelsa United Football Club has confirmed the abscondment of Coach Ladan Isah Bosso...
Law & Crime2 days ago

Enugu land tragedy: One killed, as victim’s mother grieves, demands son’s body

By Our Correspondent Wailing,panic,fears griped residents of Etiti Central Community, Ngwo, in Udi Local Government, Enugu State,following the assassination of...
Sports2 days ago

AKASSA’s Enduring Contribution to National Sports Development

  By Dave Ikiedei Asei In the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, the AKASSA clan played a transformative role...

Trending