By Deborah Hassan
As the countdown to the November 6, 2021 Anambra gubernatorial election begins, some Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state have warned the national leadership of the party to shun activities that would cost the party victory in the elections, with presentation of an anointed flagbearer topping the list.
The Chieftains, under an umbrella group, APC Patriots, Anambra chapter, warned that the mode of primaries to be adopted must be jointly agreed upon by stakeholders and the aspirants in order to avoid a recurrence of events that led to the party’s defeat in Rivers, Zamfara and Bayelsa states.
The group stressed that the non-imposition of a candidate for the gubernatorial election tops the conditions precedent to winning the poll by the party and vowed to work assiduously with other party stalwarts who desire equity, justice and fairness, against ”any shenanigans that would stand in the way of an APC victory, come November 6.”
These were contained in a press statement jointly signed by the Co-ordinator of the group, Dozie Ikedife, and spokesman, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, issued on Thursday, March 11, 2021.
The group, which consists of the party’s immediate past deputy governorship candidate, former House of Representatives members, party officials and business executives who are members of the party, contended that a credible, rancour free primaries was a sine qua non for an APC victory in the governorship election proper.
Some members of the group include former House of Representatives members, Honourables Chukwuemeke Nwogbo and Chizor Obidigwe, APC South east zonal youth leader, Olisa Onyeka, communications specialist, Ike Chidolue, business tycoon, Chidi Ogbaji and Mike Mbanefo, a lawyer, amongst others.
The statement read: “As a people desirous of bringing our dear state, Anambra, into national focus – after about 15 years of being on the fringes of regional politics – we urge the APC family, from the zone to the national, not to pander to filial affiliations that might truncate the genuine quest of our people to produce an APC administration in Anambra.”
It continued, “To do otherwise will further alienate our long suffering, but dedicated party men and women, who eagerly look forward to the November 6, 2021 election as the crowning glory of their long years of dedication.
“In prosecuting the Anambra gubernatorial election, therefore, utmost care must be taken by all strata of the party leadership, so that we can avoid the pitfalls which made the party lose Zamfara, Rivers and Bayelsa states.
“We, therefore, urge all the aspirants to roll up their sleeves and seek for the people’s endorsement, instead of hoping to be beneficiaries of a curious anointment.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, APC Patriots, Anambra chapter has resolved to – working with other party stalwarts who desire equity, justice and fairness – work assiduously against any shenanigans that would stand in the way of an APC victory, come November 6,” the statement added.