Tensions have flared in Anambra State after supporters of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) aspirant Zeribe Ezeanuna protested his exclusion from the list of cleared candidates for the party’s forthcoming House of Representatives primary election in Ogbaru federal constituency of Anambra state.
Ezeanuna, an aspirant for the House of Representatives seat in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, was reportedly screened in Abuja alongside two other aspirants. However, only his name was missing from the list of candidates cleared to participate in the APGA primary election scheduled for next week.
Our correspondent reports that tension rose sharply in Okpoko as some youths, loyalists and supporters of Zeribe threatened to take to the streets, chanting “We no gree, we no gree” when the news broke. However, some community leaders quickly intervened to calm the situation, urging the aggrieved supporters to remain peaceful pending verification of the matter.
Reacting to the development, a prominent youth leader and rights activist, Comrade Martin Okechi, said:
“Who said so? It cannot happen. Why should they disqualify Zeribe, who is a genuine member of APGA, and clear Chu Chu Onyema, who is a member of the PDP and recently defected to APGA, as well as Chris Nwokedi, who was the APGA chairmanship candidate under the Edozie Njoku faction during last year’s local government election?
“We are going to resist any attempt to stop Zeribe at a time when it is the turn of Okpoko Community to produce the member representing Ogbaru in the House of Representatives. We will not allow it to happen. Zeribe is the candidate of Okpoko Community, and we are ready to deliver victory for him under APGA.
“Let me also say that APGA should forget about winning Ogbaru Federal Constituency without Zeribe because, without fielding him, Peter Obi’s candidate will take Ogbaru again.”
When contacted, Zeribe confirmed that he travelled to Abuja for the screening exercise and said he was surprised to discover that his name was omitted from the list of cleared aspirants.
“I was in Abuja before the screening panel and I was screened according to the rules and protocols of the party. I answered the questions directed at me and was asked to take a bow and leave. I was therefore surprised that my name was not among those cleared,” he said.
Asked about the action he intended to take, Zeribe said he would reach out to party leaders and relevant stakeholders, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the national chairman of APGA, Sly Ezeokenwa.
“I was told that I had been cleared by the panel and that the report would reflect that decision. After hearing my opening remarks, they even described me as a foundation member of APGA.
“I believe the leadership of our party, led by Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa and His Excellency Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, will not allow this alleged hijacking of APGA in Ogbaru by members of the PDP to stand,” he added.