Former state chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Anambra State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Pat Orjiakor, yesterday called for the setting up of a caretaker committee for the state branch of APC to save it from disintegration in the state.

His call came on the heels of a rumour making rounds that a large number of the party’s disciples are planning on cross to other political parties as a result of resignation of APC Deputy National Chairman, Chief Annie Okonkwo, and another chieftain, Chief Ben Oranusi, as a result of the protracted leadership crisis in Anambra APC.

Orjiakor suggested that the caretaker committee should comprise the state chairmen of all the political parties that merged to form the APC, adding that the committee should evolve ways of harmonising the leadership of APC in Anambra State.

It would be recalled that following what appeared to be irreconcilable differences, two APC factions held separate state congresses in Awka and elected their officials before the recent National Convention of the party.

However, after the recognition of the officers produced by the Chris Ngige faction during the National Convention, the Annie Okonkwo faction decided to dump APC for another political party.

Before Oknokwo dumped APC, two separate meetings were held in Awka and his home town, Ojoto, by members of his faction, where it was reportedly agreed for them to declare for the United Progressive Party (UPP).

Also, former members of the defunct ANPP in Anambra State who felt they were sidelined in APC after the merger with the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) have also been meeting and considering the possibility of joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), or the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Information reaching News Express has it that their anger stems from the fact that since the merger that formed APC, none of their members has been considered for any party office in APC.

Speaking with News Express, a former member of ANPP said: “As things are, we do not even know our position in APC. The person who was made the state secretary of APC was somebody who was a member of APGA in Abia State, where he contested for the House of Assembly election in 2011 and lost, though he is from Anambra State.

“Also, the state legal adviser is somebody who contested for House of Representatives on the platform of ANPP in 2011 and left the party after losing; today, he is the APC legal adviser because he is close to the former national secretary of ANPP, Chief George Muoghalu.

“As you can see, the real ANPP members were completely sidelined in the sharing of party offices and this is the reason we feel that it is better to leave APC for those who feel it is their own.”

•Photo shows former APC Deputy National Chairman, Chief Annie Okonkwo.

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