The Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is intensifying its opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s recent nomination of Amb. Bianca Ojukwu as the minister of state for foreign affairs.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, has sparked controversy, as Ojukwu, the widow of Biafra leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, is affiliated with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), leading local APC members to denounce the appointment as detrimental to the party.
Chief Bunty Onuigbo, representing Anambra APC stakeholders, criticized the nomination, while Dr. Josef Onoh, Bianca’s brother and former spokesperson for Tinubu’s campaign council, condemned the Anambra APC for its rejection of the nomination.
However, problems within the Anambra APC is growing, as more members voice their disapproval of the appointment. In a pointed statement, Igboeli Arinze Napoleon, the Zonal Publicity Secretary for Anambra Central APC and coordinator of the Anambra APC Renewal Group (AARG), expressed his criticism of both the ministerial appointment and Onoh’s recent remarks.
Napoleon stated, “While we recognize the president’s authority in making ministerial appointments, we must raise our concerns regarding the potential for discord within our party ranks. This situation highlights deeper divisions as the party navigates internal restructuring and prepares for future elections.”
He emphasized that AARG will soon advocate for a more inclusive approach to party appointments and the importance of unity within the Anambra chapter.
Addressing Dr. Onoh’s claims about the party’s performance, Napoleon labeled the accusations as immature. “We question Onoh’s credibility as a party spokesperson. There were no anti-party activities that affected our presidential candidate’s support during the last elections. While some individuals acted against party interests, the majority of Anambra APC members remained loyal,” he clarified.
He pointed out that similar challenges were faced by APC factions in other states, such as Osun, Katsina, and Yobe. Napoleon also highlighted that Chief Basil Ejidike leads the only legitimate faction of the APC in Anambra, asserting that their leadership is not divided.
Onoh’s reference to Anambra APC’s electoral performance, where the state garnered only 5,111 votes in the presidential election compared to Enugu State’s 4,772, was countered by Napoleon, who stressed the need for a unified front.
When asked if the opposition to Ojukwu’s nomination stemmed from her gender, Napoleon defended the party’s track record of supporting female candidates like Sharon Ikeazor and Senator Margery Okadigbo, insisting that the party has capable women within its ranks rather than needing to look outside for leadership.
