….As Group Chides Minister’s Brother Over Allegations Against Party
By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Internal tensions have erupted within the Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the appointment of Ambassador Bianca Onoh as minister in President Bola Tinubu’s government, leading to a heated exchange between party officials.
In a strongly-worded statement released today 27th October, 2024 Igboeli Arinze Napoleon, the Zonal Publicity Secretary of Anambra Central APC and coordinator of the Anambra APC Renewal Group (AARG), criticized both the ministerial appointment and recent allegations made by Dr. Josef Onoh, a former presidential campaign spokesman for the South East region.
“While we acknowledge the president’s prerogative in ministerial appointments, we must express our concerns about the potential for discord within party ranks,” Napoleon stated, highlighting the group’s opposition to Ambassador Onoh’s appointment.
The controversy intensified after Dr. Josef Onoh accused the Anambra State APC chapter of various improprieties, prompting a fierce rebuttal from party leadership. Napoleon dismissed these allegations as “infantile” and challenged Onoh’s credibility as a party spokesperson.
Addressing specific allegations of anti-party activities during the last presidential elections, Napoleon acknowledged that while some leaders had worked against party interests, the majority of Anambra APC members remained loyal to the party’s presidential candidate. He pointed out that similar challenges occurred in other states, including Osun, Katsina, and Yobe.
The dispute has also brought to light broader issues within the party’s state structure. Napoleon emphasized that Chief Basil Ejidike leads the only legitimate APC faction in Anambra, countering claims about divided leadership. He cited the party’s electoral performance, noting that despite receiving only 5,111 votes in the presidential election, this still exceeded the neighboring Enugu State’s tally of 4,772 votes.
Defending the party’s record on gender inclusion, Napoleon highlighted the APC’s history of supporting female candidates, including Sharon Ikeazir and Senator Margery Okadigbo. “This is a party that has repeatedly celebrated our women in offices and has supported them through thick and thin,” he stated.
The controversy reflects deeper divisions within the party as it grapples with internal restructuring and positioning for future electoral contests.
Napoleon noted that the AARG would soon call for a more inclusive approach to party appointments and emphasized the need for unity within the state chapter.
