By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Former Central Bank Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has been suspended by the Chief Jude Okeke-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for alleged anti-party activities.

Confirming the suspension while addressing journalists Abuja, the Ag. National Publicity Secretary of the Okeke-led faction, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, said the decision was taken late Tuesday night at the meeting of the party.

Soludo is currently contesting the ticket of APGA to fly the party’s flag during the November 6, 2021 governorship election under the Chief Victor Oye-led exective.

Chukwunyere said: “The APGA faction resolved to suspend Soludo due to his activities that is threatening the unity of the party.

“The party is ready for the July 1 primary election and the winner will lead APGA to victory at the November 6th, 2021 Governorship election.”

He described the Governorship primary election in Awka as “a sham and effort in futility saying that in due time, the courts will declare it as invalid, unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect whatsoever.”

The NWC hailed the members of the party in Anambra State who thronged to the Ward offices across the 326 Wards in the state to elect the three-man Ward delegates who would elect the Governorship candidate of the Party on 1st July, 2021 in line with the provisions of the Party Constitution, INEC Guidelines and the Electoral Act.

“The National Executive Committee of our Party has just finished meeting and has ratified the Delegates list for onward submission to INEC in line with the INEC Guidelines,” he added.

Meanwhile, heavy security have been deployed in Awka, Anambra State capital, today over the conduct of the primary election taking place at the Dora Akunyili Center.

It was gathered that the heavy deployment is in response to the formation of another faction of the party led by Jude Okeke.

Meanwhile, journalists have been barred from entering the venue of the exercise.

The primary election was kicked off with the accreditation of delegates at the Alex Ekwueme Square before moving to Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka.

Earlier, the party had warned its stakeholders to keep to the set out rules for the conduct of the primary election. The party in an announcement aired repeatedly on the state-owned Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) warned that dance troops would not be tolerated.

The party said it would not accept members arriving the venue with their supporters who are not delegates.

It also warned all persons coming for the delegates’ election to ensure their eligibility and be sure to wear the party’s uniform, while also adorning a facemask to be able to participate.

Four cleared aspirants which include Soludo, Hon ThankGod Ibe, Hon Okwudili Nwankwo and Barr Damian Okolo, are expected to participate in the exercise.

However, there are feelers that Soludo who is the favourite of the incumbent Governor, Willie Obiano may emerge unopposed as the party’s flag bearer.