All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Anambra State have openly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as a minister-designate.
They described the move as a “betrayal of party principles” and raised concerns about the potential impact on the party’s unity in the region.
During an emergency meeting of APC stakeholders held in Awka on Thursday, party leaders voiced their frustration over the appointment.
They characterized it as a breach of party loyalty that risks demoralizing APC supporters in Anambra State.
High Chief Bunty Onuigbo, the South East Zonal Secretary of the APC and a member of the APC Elders Forum in Anambra, spoke on behalf of the concerned stakeholders.
He emphasized that the president’s move undermines party cohesion by favouring individuals associated with rival political factions.
“This is nothing but an act of anti-party, and it is detrimental,” Onuigbo declared. “By empowering members of other political parties at the expense of the APC in Anambra State, Mr. President is not supporting party loyalty.”
Onuigbo raised concerns about the recent appointment, questioning its implications: “Is the President aiming to trigger a mass defection of APC members in Anambra to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)? Is he subtly supporting APGA’s interests in Anambra State?”
He described the situation as “unprecedented and deeply discouraging,” expressing frustration that the national leadership appears to be boosting opposition parties at the expense of the APC.
Onuigbo accused APGA of monopolizing benefits from government programs and empowerment schemes, claiming they cater exclusively to their members while taking undue credit for initiatives meant to involve all political stakeholders.
“This is a party that openly rejects the APC and wants no affiliation with us. Yet, Mr. President is empowering them with these appointments,” he stated.
Onuigbo added that APC stakeholders would formally present their complaints to the state chairman of the party, Chief Basil Ejidike, for onward submission to the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
