· Narrate how primaries polarized party
Sequel to the alleged large scale irregularities,manipulations and behind the scene intrigues that reportedly characterized the primaries of All Progressive Congress in Imo state, leaders and stakeholders of the party at various levels have cried out over what they referred to as “the party’s present state of decay and disarray which has made most of them political orphans who other political parties are presently adopting to strengthen and reposition their platforms”.
Some APC stalwarts’ who pleaded anonymity stated this in separate chats with this reporter in Owerri over the weekend.
They noted with dismay that the refusal or inability of the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, members of his kitchen cabinet, state, LGA and ward executives of the party to convene meetings geared towards offering explanations on some of the issues that emanated from the recently held primaries, calm frayed nerves, pacify those who have genuine reasons to be aggrieved and ultimately douse the rising tension that has polarized the party has further compounded the already complex situation. Hence most of the party’s ardent, faithful and committed members are defecting to other political parties in their numbers.
They said, “Since after the party primaries, APC party members and faithful became orphans who other political parties are now adopting. When will the leadership of APC stop this “adoption” of its members? Do you really love and care about your members?
Majority of APC members are now confused. We lack direction and information on the way forward for the party”.
“It’s quite unfortunate that the leadership of APC has not addressed members of the party since after the primaries. All the Ward Chairmen claim that they don’t know what is happening in the party anymore”.
We need to come out of this status quo, we need to be free from paralysis, to enable us go to the other side of the river and preach the Gospel to the unbelievers”.
Others who expressed their opinions about what they described as “a disappointing and worrisome development wondered why the APC primaries for various elective positions in the state have continued to elicit controversies that have led to disaffection, rancor and acrimony amidst allegations of impropriety, favouritsm, imposition, fraudulent manipulation of figures, abuse of due process, lack of transparency and a level playing ground for all concerned.”
The worst part of it is that the complaints are not paculiar to Owerri zone alone, as there are multiple protests and agitations all over the state.
Unfortunately, most leaders of the party who have the ears of the Governor and are working closely with the state government are more interested in stuffing their pockets. They are not ready to spend money to convene or host meetings aimed at discussing how to sustain and move the party forward. It is obvious from all indications that the leadership of the party in the state is weak, and lacks the necessary qualities and attributes to galvanize members for optimal performance and contributions.
Under normal circumstances, it is the duty and responsibility of the party to convene a meeting of all candidates of the party, followed by a meeting of all the aspirants and finally, that of the stakeholder, with a view to reconcile all aggrieved parties, groups and individuals. Though, the Governor is the leader of the party in the state, he should not be expected to do everything. However, the problem is that the chairman of the party in the state Macdonald Ebere PhD, lacks the requisite experience and knowledge of how to administer the affairs of a political party.”
