OPINION: Obiano Beware Less APGA Go the Way of PDP, By Udoka Onwueme

By Udoka Onwueme

In November 2018 Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State won a landslide victory across the twenty-one Local Governments of Anambra State to secure a second term mandate, it was celebrated as a landmark in the annals of the state and a period of consolidation for All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. Among the founding fathers of the party, it was celebrated as a template for the making of a great party across the South East region and beyond. This dominant view subsists amongst the party faithful and all those who believed the ideals of ‘Onye ayana nwanne ya,’   as a veritable tool for salvaging the fortunes of the Igboman politically and those of like minds across Nigeria. But it appears that the lofty goals may be derailed by lack of internal party democracy.

The widespread support enjoyed by APGA as a mass movement is hinged on the pervasive feeling of oneness and unity of purpose. Whereas some choose to identify APGA as Igbo party, some of us have always believed that many across Nigeria can find a nest in its fold. Evidence now abounds with the large number of aspirants identifying with the party across the country. However the reverberations on the activities of party leaders on the choice of preferred candidates may yet spell doom for APGA like the PDP when it reigned supreme. As party stalwarts we were glad when Obiano pronounced at the party retreat that the Primaries will be free and fair but recent scheming across the Senatorial zones, to the House of Reps and even State House may lead to party implosion if care is not taken.

I can’t claim knowledge of agreements or promises made but as a man whose victory was assured on the general belief of trustworthiness, Obiano should not allow this light deem on his hands. Already, Sen. Stella Oduah is reported to have been forced out of APGA in preference of a certain Ikenga, while the heavy-weights of the South like Nicholas Ukachukwu and   Chief Ifeanyi Ubah are said to have been told to step-down for Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu or any other person. I hope this is not true because we all know that this election is not about Ojukwu. The place of Late Ikemba, Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu is long assured. So let us keep to the issues and ensure that we go to the battle with warriors across the zones.

I call on the National Chairman of APGA, Dr. Victor Oye and his team to ride the storm and save Obiano the blemish of blames arising from controlled primaries and the likely emergence of unpopular candidates through imposition that may threaten his legacy. The rumour is rife, and the complaints appear real. Whereas some are already shouting impunity, I believe every misunderstanding can be settled in the interest of the democracy and the party. This is a clarion call to assure that APGA does not lose it mass appeal and the momentum it currently has. Let us not fall prey to the machinations of persons who do not appreciate the sacrifices behind APGA. Let the best man or woman win.