A fresh wave of agitation has emerged within the Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as members under the umbrella of the APC Anambra State Liberation Movement staged a protest at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, demanding fairness and inclusion in federal appointments.
The protesters, made up of long-standing party loyalists, accused influential figures within the federal structure of sidelining committed APC members from the state in favour of opposition politicians—particularly those from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). According to them, this trend has persisted for years and threatens to weaken the APC’s grassroots strength in the state.
Speaking during the demonstration, APC chieftain Chidozie Okoye said the party’s loyal members in Anambra have endured “systematic marginalisation” despite their sacrifices and contributions to the party’s growth. He noted that key federal positions, which should naturally strengthen the APC’s political foothold in the state, were instead handed to individuals who neither campaigned for the party nor supported its candidates during elections.
Some of the appointments that drew their ire include the Anambra ministerial slot, the leadership of the South East Development Commission, and recent ambassadorial postings. The group insisted that none of these positions were offered to “core APC members” who have been consistent in promoting the party.
They also alleged that certain federal appointees from Anambra openly worked against the APC during the last governorship election—actions they described as internal sabotage. According to them, the party would have had a better chance of electoral victory if federal appointees had rallied behind APC’s candidate instead of supporting opposition interests.
As part of their demands, the group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize genuine party loyalists in subsequent appointments. They highlighted notable figures such as Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, Amb. Elijah Onyeagba, and Dr. Kodilichukwu Okelekwe, whom they said have remained steadfast in their commitment to the APC even when the party lacked widespread support in the state.
Despite their grievances, the group emphasized that they remain loyal to President Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC. Their protest, they noted, was not meant to create division but to ensure justice, equity, and recognition for party members who have consistently championed the APC’s growth in Anambra.
The delegation is expected to meet with the APC National Chairman later today to further press their case and seek reforms aimed at strengthening the party’s political presence in Anambra State.
By Ubong Usoro, Abuja
Nigeria Magazine
