The Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expelled 30 members for taking the party to court, deepening internal tensions ahead of future elections in the state.
The decision was reached during a state executive committee meeting held in Awka and presided over by the party’s deputy chairman, Hon. J.C. Okeke.
Speaking after the meeting, the state publicity secretary, Dr. Valentine Oliobi, said the expulsions were carried out in line with Article 21, Subsection 5 of the APC constitution, which bars members from dragging the party before the courts without exhausting internal dispute mechanisms.
According to him, the affected members would only be reconsidered if they withdraw their court cases against the party.
“The 30 people who took the party to court have been expelled in line with the APC constitution,” Oliobi said. “The party can only listen to them if they withdraw the suits they filed.”
He expressed surprise that some of those involved were still pursuing political ambitions within the party, noting that a few had even obtained nomination forms to contest House of Representatives seats.
The meeting also approved members of the party’s disciplinary and primary election committees.
Former senator Margery Chuba-Okadigbo was named chairman of the disciplinary committee, alongside other members including Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, Dame Jessie Balonwu, Dr. Amobi Nwokafor, Ichie Mike Ejezie and Barrister C.N. Madubueze, while Sir Chris Chikwelu Jr will serve as secretary.
For the primary election committee, Hon. Izu Okeke was appointed chairman, with Mrs. Ifeyinwa Okonkwo, Engr. Osita Oraegbunam and Chief Joe Ofokansi named as members. Comrade Carl Mbanefo will serve as secretary.
The party also inaugurated its 21 local government chairmen, who are expected to oversee the inauguration of ward executives in their respective areas.
In another move, the APC announced plans to appoint a director specifically in charge of security matters within the party structure.
Oliobi further disclosed that the screening committee sent from Abuja had completed the screening of House of Assembly aspirants, with all 30 aspirants cleared to contest. He added that aspirants across the state’s 11 federal constituencies were also successfully screened and cleared.
