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A governorship aspirant in the 2019 governorship election in Imo State on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Nick Opara-Ndudu, has written to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, who is the leader of the party, to formally protest the injustice visited on the aspirants seeking the party’s ticket in the state.
Opara-Ndudu wrote the letter on October 29, from his country home in Emekuku, in Owerri North Local Government Area of the state.
In the letter, which he titled “Saving APGA From Extinction – A Stitch In Time Saves Nine,” Opara-Ndudu, complained of the ill manner in which APGA treated aspirants who sought its tickets to contest the forthcoming elections in the state, saying that the insincere action has put the party in bad light and may precipitate its demise in no distance time.
The former commissioner, therefore, advised Obiano to institute measures immediately to address the situation before it deteriorates further, adding that the reconciliation committee the party set up recently cannot address the magnitude of problems created by the party in Imo as it will end up as an idle fancy.
Said Opara-Ndudu, “Sir, over the past two weeks, I have reflected on the state of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as a political party and have come to the inescapable conclusion that unless drastic steps are taken to stem the tide of discontent, the party may be headed towards extinction. And that would be a most saddening experience.
“As a political party, the founders of APGA had envisioned it as a platform for the expression of the political beliefs of Ndi Igbo and the pursuit of their common interest regardless of the fact that it was also intended to grow in size and reach into a national political franchise.
“Regrettably sir, the very existence of the cherished political platform is being threatened by avoidable acts of omission and indiscretion on the part of the leadership of the party in organizing party primaries.
“With the exercise organized largely in breach of extant guidelines, party faithful have risen in condemnation of the exercise and these threats carry ominous sign for the unity and continued existence of the party.”
Continuing he said, “As the national leader of APGA, history beckons on you to act decisively to stem the very corrosive tide of dissatisfaction that currently tears away the party’s cohesion and unity.
“For a start, you must as a matter of urgency convene a meeting of key stakeholders of the party in the affected states and begin to chart the path of reconciliation.
“Having to assign the onerous responsibility to a committee as currently being pursued would yield minimal results.”
Opara-Ndudu added, “The situation is very grave that any meeting not presided by you remains most unlikely to achieve desired ends.
“As a matter of fact, some of the key stakeholders believe that they have been ignored in the scheme of things by your leadership with very scant regard for their personalities and contributions to the party.”
According to the former bank boss, “When a crisis is fueled by such feelings, it may be difficult to handle unless concerted efforts are made to appeal to the conscience (and even ego) of those affected. A word is enough to the wise.
“Finally, I would urge you to initiate measures that would begin to address the issues raised by the ill-fated party primaries.
“These are trying moments and you must recognize the arduous task which history has placed on your shoulders.
“It would be a most unwelcome and sad commentary if it were to be recorded in the annals of history that APGA died under your watch and leadership.
“The time to act is now and you must do so fast. In all of this, we must all have the humility to admit that mistakes have been made as well as the courage to take bold and decisive steps to address any misgivings.
“At this point, I dare say that no cost is too much to bear (including reversing earlier decisions) in order that restitution be made and justice is seen to have been done.
God bless you as you reflect on this counsel and do that which your conscience tells you is right and proper in this circumstance.”
