Abia APC Rejects Illegal Imposition of National Welfare Secretary, Says Party Constitution Must Be Respected

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected in its entirety the imposition of a new National Welfare Secretary of the party, saying that it runs foul of the party constitution.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of APC had on Wednesday reportedly announced a replacement for the deceased National Welfare Secretary from Abia, without recourse to the nomination made by the Abia APC leadership.

In a press release signed by the state Chairman of the party, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu and the Secretary, Chief Chidi Avajah, the state leadership of the party called on the National Working Committee NWC to reverse itself and respect the party’s constitution.

The duo pointed out that the constitution of the party is very clear on who has the mandate to nominate a replacement in case of vacancy. And this, according to them, falls squarely on the State Executive Committee.

“The party pointed out that following the death of the last occupant of the office, Barrister F.N. Nwosu’, the state chapter, in line with its mandate in APC Constitution, nominated its State Organising Secretary, Mr. Obinna Atuonwu and forwarded same to both Zonal and National organs of our great party for ratification.”

The state chapter of the party stated that it “is deeply worried that some stranger elements are trying to distabilise the Abia State chapter of the party after their treachery and betrayals during the last election.”

It noted that it was this same group that had initially wanted to foist a suspended member of the party as replacement and “they were resisted. And when they realised their folly they now changed to their present candidate.”

“It’s not in the interest of the party that some chieftains of the party will just gang up and share party’s office using Mr. President’s name. But we know that Mr. President as a consumate politician respects the constitution of the party and due process.

“Mr. President’s name should not be vainly used. We therefore, call on the National Working Committee of our great party as men of honour to refuse to be used in this unconstitutional and illegal voyage which is aimed at the usurpation of the powers and mandate of the state chapter of the party,” the Abia APC stated.

While affirming its loyalty to Mr. President, the National Chairman and the National Working Committee, the Abia APC urged “the national secretariat of the party “to reverse this ugly division which will not stand the test of moral, political and judicial scrutiny.”

The Abia APC reinstated its belief that common sense and the constitution of the party should prevail, noting that Obinna Atuonwu remains the duly nominated National Welfare Secretary from Abia State.