The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has voiced strong opposition to what it describes as the overwhelming influence of the Chukwuma Soludo-led All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) over the state’s dealings with the federal government under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement made over the weekend, Mr. Basil Ejidike, the APC Chairman in Anambra, criticized what he called the undue dominance of APGA in federal matters concerning the state.
Ejidike argued that the constant presence of APGA nominees in federal appointments related to Anambra was troubling, alleging that such appointments reflected an imbalance in the representation of the state at the national level.
Ejidike further alleged that the rice distribution, which was intended to ease the hardship experienced by citizens, was unfairly handled.
According to him, the rice allocated to Anambra was rebagged with the image of Governor Soludo and distributed exclusively to APGA members during the last Christmas season, leaving others in the state at a disadvantage.
The APC has expressed concern that this growing dominance by APGA in federal matters is undermining the influence and participation of the APC in Anambra’s political landscape.
Appealing to Tinubu, Ejidike said: “Sir, may I seize this opportunity to draw your attention to some challenges confronting the APC in Anambra State, that require your kind intervention.
“The issue of appointments made by the Federal government without recourse to the party is inimical to the growth and success of the party in our state, as these appointees do not reckon with the party at the state level.
“Whereby, most of those who have made and are still making heavy sacrifices for the party have not been adequately rewarded and appreciated, many of those who have gotten juicy Federal Government appointments in the past were mainly non-party members, drawn especially from our rival All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
“At the ward, local government and state levels, our members are being discriminated against, as APGA does not recognize or reckon with those who are not their members in the distribution and allocation of government appointments and incentives.
“More worrisome is the fact that what we as a state get from the federal government as incentives and palliatives are usually sent through the state government.
“Sequel to the above, non-APGA members are denied access to them. It is on record that bags of rice sent as palliatives by the federal government were repackaged, and Governor Soludo’s pictures and APGA logo embossed on those bags, thereby giving the impression that they were provided by the governor.
“This arrangement has continued to diminish our party’s influence and reach within the state, and we are terrified to say the least.
“APC in Anambra have come with a passionate appeal, asking that you (Ganduje) intervene and save our members in Anambra from neglect.
“Your kind intervention, Sir, will bolster the morale of our committed party men and women towards the task ahead.”
