APC Anambra Cracks Down on Dissidents, Ratifies 2027 Candidates

Senator Emma Anosike, Anambra State APC Chairman

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Anambra State chapter, on Friday ratified the expulsion of members who instituted legal action against the party.
The party also ratified the names of its candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The approved senatorial candidates are Chief Mrs. Chiborgwu Benson-Oraelosi for Anambra South Senatorial District, Chief Kingsley Nnalue for Anambra North Senatorial District, and Dr. Ngozi Chiedu for Anambra Central Senatorial District.
The ratifications followed motions moved and unanimously adopted by party faithful during a meeting attended by members of the State Executive Committee, Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen, secretaries, and ward officials.
The expelled members are:
Barr. Richard Egenti – State Legal Adviser,
Ifeanyi Osegbo – State Chairman
Engr. Chukwudi Kenneth Oji – State Secretary
Sir Arinzechukwu Awogu – State Treasurer
Hon. Engr. Tony Uche Ezekwelu – Publicity Secretary
Hon. Ossy Nwoye – State Youth Leader
Mrs. Uju Onyeanusi – State Welfare Secretary
The position of the expelled members was further weakened by a judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit they filed against the party.
Delivering judgment, Justice F.E. Messiri upheld the APC State Congress and reaffirmed the principle that party primaries are internal affairs of political parties.
The court held that the plaintiffs lacked the locus standi to challenge the outcome of the exercise.
As part of efforts to strengthen party unity, the APC also constituted a five-member Reconciliation Committee to engage aggrieved members and foster cohesion within the party.
The committee is chaired by Chief Obi Onwuachu, with Ichie Mike Ejezie serving as Vice Chairman, while Chief Mrs. Tina Araonu is the Secretary.
Addressing ward chairmen, secretaries, and LGA chairmen at the party secretariat in Awka, the State Chairman, Senator Emma Anosike, urged members to remain committed and confident in the party’s future.
According to him, the era when members were reluctant to publicly identify with the APC had passed.
“You must make a clear choice. You cannot claim to belong to APC during the day and align with another party at night. Neither can you use APC as a bargaining tool while maintaining allegiance elsewhere,” he said.
Senator Anosike called on members to remain steadfast in their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to work towards ensuring the party’s success in the 2027 elections.
“We must believe in our party. Nobody should be discouraged by narratives on social media. If you are a member of APC, be proud of it and remain committed,” he stated.
He stated that party mobilization would be driven from the ward level, noting that all political office holders, including senators and members of the House of Representatives, belong to wards where grassroots political activities take place.
“Every major political activity begins at the ward level. We are entering a critical election season, and there is no room for inactive leadership. Any ward chairman who feels unable to perform effectively should step aside.
“We have conducted our primaries and produced our candidates. Every ward chairman knows who the party’s candidates are. They have emerged through the party’s processes, and their emergence cannot be altered by any individual,” he said.
Anosike also warned individuals attempting to destabilize the party through media campaigns and internal disputes.
“Some people insulting me on social media claim they are seeking House of Representatives tickets. I was elected to the House of Representatives 27 years ago and have also served in the Senate. I have moved beyond that stage politically.
“I am not contesting for any office, and even if offered one, I would decline. God has blessed me with wisdom, grace, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Speaking on a spiritual note, Anosike maintained that political power ultimately comes from God.
“What belongs to a person cannot pass him by. Every individual must strive for his destiny, but it is God who grants power and elevation.
“We must believe that APC can succeed in Anambra State. We must remove fear from our minds, strengthen this party, and speak with one voice,” he added.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the State Legal Adviser, Barr. Cyprian Udenwa, criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of attempting to exceed its constitutional mandate.
According to him, INEC’s responsibility is limited to monitoring party primaries and not determining or declaring candidates for political parties.
“The Electoral Act is clear on this issue. INEC’s role is to observe the conduct of primaries and ensure compliance with the law. It is not empowered to determine who emerges as a party’s candidate,” he said.
He further argued that party primaries must be conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution and guidelines, including the procedures established for the conduct of such exercises.
Commenting on claims by the Arinze Awogu group, Udenwa insisted that they were not recognized candidates of the APC.
“Arinze Awogu and his associates, who have been parading themselves on social media as APC candidates, are acting on their own. They are not candidates of the party and did not participate in the primaries, having been expelled after taking the party to court,” he stated.
He accused INEC in Anambra State of creating confusion through actions that, according to him, undermine the internal processes of political parties.
“There are Supreme Court judgments affirming that the nomination of candidates remains the internal affair of political parties. Consequently, INEC lacks the legal standing to interfere in such matters,” he added.
Also speaking, the State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Valentine Oliobi, supported the position of the Legal Adviser, stating that the party had moved beyond internal disputes and was focused on future electoral victories.
According to him, the APC complied with all legal and constitutional requirements in conducting its primaries and ratifying its candidates.
He expressed satisfaction that the party successfully ratified both the list of candidates for the 2027 elections and the expulsion of members who instituted legal proceedings against the party.
“The party has done what is required under the law. We have moved forward, and there is no basis for further controversy. Our focus now is strengthening the party and preparing for future electoral success,” he said.