Amidst the political landscape of Abia State, a rift within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged, bringing to the forefront the tensions and disagreements that often characterize party dynamics.
At the heart of this strife is the appointment of Donatus Nwakpa, a former chairman of the state party, as the National Welfare Secretary. The faction known as Abia APC Caucus and Stakeholders has raised its voice in protest, asserting that Nwakpa’s ascent to this position was not in line with the wishes of the party’s supporters in the state.
The discord deepened with the Abia APC faction describing the appointment as an ‘illegal imposition’ by the National Working Committee (NWC) and emphasizing the need to uphold the party’s constitution.
Nwakpa’s history has not been without controversy; his abduction in 2019 and subsequent political affiliations have stirred debates. The unveiling of new national officers by the APC NWC, including Nwakpa, has intensified the disagreements within the party.
The Abia stakeholders, led by Senator Chris Adighije, addressed these concerns directly, expressing their dissatisfaction and urging the National Chairman and the NWC to reconsider their decision. They underlined the significance of unity in their state chapter, especially in the absence of a governor from their party.
In a swift response, another faction of the Abia APC, loyal to former Minister Uche Ogah, extended its support to Nwakpa’s election as the National Welfare Secretary. This faction dismissed media reports of rejection, asserting that the election was constitutionally conducted and endorsed by genuine party members.
The conflict underscores the intricate balance of power, allegiances, and divergent perspectives that shape political parties. As the APC navigates these internal challenges, the eyes of both supporters and observers remain fixed on the party’s ability to unite, make strategic decisions, and emerge stronger from this chapter of turmoil.