Party Stability Depends on Stakeholder Respect, Discipline — Onitsha South Scribe

The Mayor of Onitsha South LGA, Hon Emeka Joseph Orji

The Secretary of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Paul Onuachalla, has stressed the urgent need for discipline, institutional respect, and proper communication within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), particularly between party managers and grassroots stakeholders.
Onuachalla, a pioneer member of APGA in Anambra State, made this position known on Wednesday in a statement titled “The Need for Party Discipline and Respect for Stakeholders,” which he made available to journalists in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

He was reacting to a publication authored by Mr. Onunkwo Kizzito, a state officer of the party in onitsha South LGA,which was circulated across several WhatsApp platforms.
The publication reportedly cancelled a previously scheduled stakeholders’ meeting without prior consultation or official communication with the affected local government leadership.
According to Onuachalla, the publication alleged “indiscipline” on the part of Onitsha South stakeholders and the Mayor of the Local Government Area.
He described the allegation as unfounded and procedurally flawed.
“My attention has been drawn to a publication by Mr. Onunkwo Kizzito, a state officer of our great party, circulated across several WhatsApp groups,”
“It is important to clarify that this publication first appeared on the New APGA Interactive Platform at about 5:26 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, and was personally posted by the author. Notably, Rt. Hon. Emeka Joseph Orji did not participate in the stakeholders’ meeting held on February 9, 2026, at the Onitsha South Local Government Council Headquarters.”he stated.
Providing further context, Onuachalla acknowledged that a stakeholders’ meeting had indeed been duly scheduled for February 9 at the council headquarters in line with party guidelines.
However, he noted that at the eleventh hour, rumours began circulating via WhatsApp messages claiming that the meeting had been cancelled.

He argued that the alleged cancellation lacked legitimacy, as there was no formal or official communication from the party hierarchy to the Local Government leadership, the Mayor, or the LGA party executives confirming such a decision.
“There is no evidence that the source of the purported cancellation represented the official position of the party,” “No written directive, no formal notification, and no structured communication were issued to the host Local Government or its leadership.”he said.
Onuachalla further revealed that additional rumours later surfaced, suggesting manipulation of the process. Yet, according to him, no clarification was issued by party officials to dispel the confusion or guide stakeholders appropriately.

“In the absence of clear direction and in order to prevent a leadership vacuum at the grassroots, the Onitsha South stakeholders were compelled to invoke the doctrine of necessity and proceed with their recommendations,” he explained.
He maintained that the stakeholders’ action should not be misconstrued as an act of defiance or indiscipline, but rather understood as a responsible response to a communication breakdown by party managers.
Onuachalla emphasized that political parties thrive on structure, consultation, and mutual respect, warning that unilateral decisions and informal channels of communication undermine internal democracy and weaken institutional cohesion.
He called on party leaders at all levels to strengthen internal communication mechanisms, respect established procedures, and recognize the strategic importance of grassroots stakeholders in sustaining party unity and electoral success.

The statement reads in parts:

The undeniable fact remains that there was a clear breakdown in communication between the party managers and the stakeholders of Onitsha South.
A simple two-line notice, written on party letterheaded paper, duly signed and dated by an authorised officer of the party, would have effectively allayed the fears and confusion of the stakeholders.

In truth, the party deserved better handling from those entrusted with its management. When such basic standards of engagement and respect are not upheld, it inevitably creates strained relationships that are capable of derailing the party’s focus, cohesion, and strategic direction.
For instance, the belated publication purporting to cancel the stakeholders’ meeting demonstrated little or no regard for the stakeholders themselves.
Even more troubling, the timing and manner of the cancellation showed a gross disregard for the office of the Mayor, who was the official host of the meeting.
The cancellation, coming after the host had already made extensive preparations for the event, amounted to a public embarrassment to the good people of Onitsha, and particularly to the Mayor, who had expended significant resources in anticipation of hosting the stakeholders.
It is both sad and disheartening that in a structured political organisation where the Mayor is not only a critical stakeholder but also a major supporter of the party,the office of the Mayor could be treated with such neglect and disregard.

Under these circumstances, one would reasonably expect the party managers to show a sense of remorse and responsibility by tendering an apology to the aggrieved stakeholders whose confidence was shaken by the belated cancellation.
It is also noteworthy that the same belated publication announced the disqualification of Dr. Emeka Anienonam, leaving our great party with only three qualified candidates to join the incumbent at the next stage of the process.
This information, by its nature, is not too sensitive to be formally and transparently communicated to stakeholders, rather than being casually introduced through an afterthought publication.
Party discipline is a two-way obligation. While stakeholders must remain loyal to party structures, party managers must equally respect stakeholders, uphold clear communication, and act in a manner that strengthens unity rather than breeds resentment.
Going by our working governor mantra,that if it is not written it does not exist. I strongly stand by it.