APGA jettisons micro-zoning arrangement for party positions in Anambra

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has dismissed the rumour that the party was narrowing some positions reserved for Anambra Central Senatorial District to candidates from specific Local Government Area.

Dr Alex Obiogbolu, chairman of APGA Congress Committee, disclosed this in a statement entitled ‘Complaints Of Micro Zoning In Central’, issued in Awka.

The statement followed a meeting held on Monday by the Anambra Central Senatorial District caucus where a conclusion was allegedly reached to cede any position to any Local Government Area.

The Congress Committee said though some positions had been zoned to Anambra Central, contests remained open to all aspirants irrespective of their Local Government Areas.

It said the micro-zoning arrangement by any group is ill advised, divisive and out of time as it was evident that several party members had collected, completed and submitted forms indicating interest in the various positions.

“The State Congress Committee of APGA has received a deluge of complaints from aspirants on the micro zoning of the party positions for the Central Senatorial Zone by some stakeholders who met in Awka on Monday, May 15.

“The resultant complaints and petitions that have followed this further supports the bad timing of such action.

“Consequently, the Anambra state Congress Committee urges all aspirants to disregard any micro zoning of positions set out for the Central Senatorial zone.

“Such an act has absolutely no effect on the mandate of the State Congress to elect the officers of the State executive committee,” it said.

Meanwhile, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the Anambra Deputy Governor, has called on APGA faithful to disregard the alleged micro-zoning arrangement.

Ibezim, who is the leader of the party in Anambra Central district, in a statement said it had become necessary to drop the arrangement as it did not go down well with some party members.

According to him, “I thank you all for the turnout for our meeting and your unflinching support for the party and the Prof Chukwuma Soludo-led administration.

“Decisions were taken but one, such as the micro zoning of positions, did not unfortunately go well with some members.

“I therefore implore all to disregard the zoning and move on with the tenets of internal democracy as envisioned by the leader of our dear progressive party, APGA.

“I encourage all of us to participate fully in the ongoing process aimed at building a stronger and more formidable party,” he said.

Our correspondent reports that APGA Wards, Local Government and State Congresses would hold on May 17, May 20 and May 23 respectively while the national convention would hold on May 31.