The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State is currently reeling from a wave of mass resignations following the departure of leading governorship aspirant, Sir Paul Chukwuma, who has defected to the Young Progressives Party (YPP) ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
Chukwuma announced his resignation from the APC on the eve of its primary election, citing irregularities and a lack of internal democracy within the party. His defection has sparked a chain reaction, with several key members of the party resigning in protest or in solidarity.
Among those who have followed suit is C. J. Ntomchukwu, Esq., who stepped down as APC Legal Adviser for Ihiala Local Government Area. In his resignation, he decried what he termed the “manifest absence of internal democracy and commitment” within the state chapter of the party.
The wave of resignations gained further momentum with the exit of Anthony Amechi Okeke from Ezekwueche Aguleri, who referenced Chukwuma’s departure in his resignation letter. “This decision follows the resignation of my principal, Sir Paul Chukwuma, who was contesting for the party’s gubernatorial nomination in Anambra State. He has since joined another party, YPP, and I have chosen to follow suit in support of his endeavours,” the letter read in part.
Chukwuma, while in APC, played a central role in the development of the party’s structure across Anambra State. He was credited with establishing a state secretariat and ensuring the presence of party offices in all 21 local government areas and 326 wards.
Speaking from his residence in Nneyi Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, Chukwuma reaffirmed his commitment to offering purposeful leadership. “I’ve presented myself for the service of the people with a clear-cut blueprint on how to turn around the state in a positive light. My administration will do everything, including the provision of security within the ambit of the law, shunning every element of nepotism and adopting a holistic approach to security issues in the state,” he said.
ALSO READ: Oyebanji deserves most youth-friendly governor award — Commissioner
The wave of defections is seen as a major setback for the APC in Anambra, casting doubt over its strength and cohesion ahead of the crucial election. As more members continue to leave, questions loom over the party’s future in the state.
In his parting note, Okeke acknowledged the opportunities he enjoyed in the APC but said it was necessary to align with Chukwuma’s new political direction. “I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had as a member of APC, but I feel it’s essential to align myself with my principal’s new path,” he stated.
The development has triggered anxiety across Anambra’s political landscape, with analysts warning that the APC may struggle to recover from the blow in time for the upcoming polls.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then