BY TONY OKAFOR
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State prepares for its primary election on April 5, the party stands at a critical juncture.
The outcome of this election will determine the party’s chances in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election against the incumbent governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
To succeed, the APC must confront its demons and make a choice between mercantilism and loyalty.
The party’s history of internal sabotage, lack of trust, hijack, and opportunism has hindered its growth in the state.
The APC’s mercantilist approach has empowered opposition parties, such as the APGA, with President Tinubu’s administration appointing APGA members to federal positions.
This situation had demoralized APC loyalists in the state, until recent interventions by one of its governorship aspirants, who provided a state secretariat and offices in the 21 local government areas and 326 wards for the party, revitalizing the party’s infrastructure and morale
However, the party’s progress is threatened again by the emergence of opportunistic individuals, now described as “steak holders,” who have neither invested in the party’s development nor growth.
These individuals are driven by self-interest, seeking power not to win the governorship election but to further their own future appointments or business interests with the National Government.
To overcome this challenge, the APC National Working Committee and other organs must take immediate action.
They must withdraw from partisanship in Anambra’s internal affairs, enforce fairness, equity, and justice, and ensure that the party’s internal processes are transparent and credible.
The APC must also prioritize loyalty and commitment to the party’s growth over mercantilism and opportunism.
The party should adopt a more inclusive and participatory approach, involving grassroots supporters and stakeholders in the decision-making process.
This will help to build trust, strengthen party structures, and increase the party’s chances of success in the November election.
The APC in Anambra State has a choice to make. It can continue down the path of manipulation and factionalism or rise above the crisis and reclaim its original vision of progressive politics.
By choosing loyalty and commitment over mercantilism and opportunism, the APC can build a strong and cohesive party that can win the governorship election and provide good governance to the people of Anambra State.
The time to make that choice is now.
