APGA crisis deepens as faction elects Okwu, Shinkafi as Chairman, Secretary

By Chris Ochayi

ABUJA—The All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, faction loyal to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State Saturday in Abuja elected Mr. Maxi Okwu as its new Acting Chairman and Alhaji Sanni Shinkafi as Acting National Secretary.

Mr. Okwu until his election, was the National Chairman of Citizens Popular Party, CPP, while Alhaji Shinkafi was the National Secretary of APGA faction, led by Chief Victor Umeh. Governor Peter Obi was physically present at the National Caucus meeting of APGA, held at Chelsea Hotel, Abuja, where the decision was taken by the party’s stakeholders.

The party also elected the former Minister of Health, Dr. Tim Menakaya, as its Acting Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT, where it also directed that every zone should nominate at least two members for the composition of the BoT.

Interim NWC to conduct congress
Dr. Menakaya, while presenting the communiqué of the meeting signed by 43 chieftains of the party to journalists, mandated the interim National Working Committee, NWC, to conduct all congresses and National Convention on or before April 30, 2013.

According to the communiqué, “whereas the High Court of Enugu State of Nigeria in a judgment delivered on February 8, 2012 removed the then National Chairman of our great party, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, and other NWC members on the grounds, among others, that their re-election was in breach of the constitution of the party.

“Whereas the National Caucus of the party has today February 16, 2013, summoned an emergency meeting to holistically review the court judgment, merger and other incidental issues related thereto.

“Parts of the resolutions at the meeting as contained in the communiqué include, that “the party has accepted the judgment of the High Court of Enugu State in good faith and will abide by it, in order to move the party forward.

“That our great party, the All Progressive Grand Alliance, has never been consulted or participated in any discussion about any merger, alliance or whatever union with any political party or parties. We state categorically and unequivocally that APGA is not part of any merger arrangement.

“That Mr. Maxi Okwu and Alhaji Sanni Shinkafi are by majority vote of the stakeholders present, elected as the new Acting National Chairman and Acting National Secretary respectively of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA , to hold the offices, pending the conduct of a national convention.

Confidence vote on Obi
“That all the other former NWC and NEC members were unanimously elected to serve in the interim NWC and NEC of APGA.

“The meeting passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Mr. Peter Obi, Governor of Anambra State, as the National Leader of the party. That the interim NWC is mandated to conduct all congresses and national convention on or before April 30, 2013.

The stakeholders who attended the meeting include, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Emeka Sibeudu, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Okey Udeh, former NWC member, Chief Chris Ejike Uche, Mr. Obinna Obiegue, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, Hon. Chris Azubogu, Hon. Victor Ogene, Hon. Cyril Egwuatu, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwogbo and Prof. Dora Akunyili.

Others include, Dr. Okey Ude, Dr. Gbenga Afeni, Hon. Chuma Nzeribe, Abubakar Adamu, Dr. Sagir Auwal Maidoya, Lawal Ashiru Barma, Chief Innocent Akalazu, Hon. Nwali Chinedum, Alfred Nwosu, Hon. Edwin Alor,  Alhaji Ibrahim Carefor, Chief Mrs. Christiana Duroha, Mrs. Ella Nwabueze and Chief Dickson Ogu, Bernard Akoma and Col. Geof Onyejegbu among others.