The Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Sunday dropped five serving council chairmen from its list of candidates ahead of the local government elections.
The decision has unsettled the party’s local political structure, as the affected council iwere widely regarded as close allies of Governor Charles Soludo and were believed to be politically untouchable.
It was gathered that the displaced council chairmen are among those who had previously served two terms as transition committee chairmen before emerging as elected local government chairmen.
The affected officials are Chief Emeka Orji (Onitsha South), Iyom Amaka Obi (Idemili South), Chinueze Ofobike (Aguata), Chief John Ibekwe (Anaocha), and the chairman of Ekwusigo Local Government Area.
They have been replaced by Ifeanyi Onuchukwu (Ekwusigo), Ezeagu Okwey (Aguata), Iloegbunam Obichukwu (Idemili South), Moufonanya Ikechukwu (Onitsha South), and Paulinus Okafor (Anaocha).
Although the party has not officially stated the reasons for dropping the incumbents at the primaries, a source close to the leadership disclosed that the move is part of a broader political strategy.
According to the source, the former council chairmen are being positioned for higher appointments following the anticipated inauguration of Gov. Soludo’s second term.
When contacted, APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, dismissed suggestions that the affected officials were untouchable or that their exclusion was punitive.
“They are not untouchables. They have demonstrated capacity and delivered on their mandates,
” “This decision has nothing to do with competence. Rather, it reflects the need to allow others the opportunity to serve.”Opara said.
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He further explained that the party seeks to revitalise grassroots administration by introducing new leadership.
“In local government administration, there is a need to inject fresh energy and new ideas into the system to enhance performance.
“We salute their achievements during their tenure, from their time as Transition Committee Chairmen to their service as elected mayors over the past four years,” he added.
However, findings also suggest that the five chairmen remain integral to APGA’s broader political calculations.
Party insiders indicate they are being considered for strategic appointments within the Anambra State executive council and other key positions once the governor begins his second term.
