APC Stakeholders in Oyi/Ayamelum Reject Alleged Plot to Manipulate Primaries, Demand Free and Credible Process

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency of Anambra State have expressed concerns over what they described as alleged attempts by external interests to influence the party’s forthcoming primary election in the constituency.

The concerns were contained in a statement issued by the Oyi and Ayamelum Progressive Forum, a group within the constituency, which called on the leadership of the party at both the state and national levels to ensure that the primary election process remains free, fair, and credible.

According to the group, party members in the constituency should be allowed to determine their preferred candidate without what it termed “external interference, intimidation, or imposition.”

The forum also expressed reservations over the reported involvement of the Chairman of the APC State Election Committee, Chief Barr. Olisa Metuh, in matters relating to the constituency’s primary process.

The group noted that Chief Metuh only recently joined the APC and alleged that there were indications of attempts to influence the outcome of the exercise in Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Senator Emma Anosike-led State Executive Committee to reposition the party in Anambra State, the stakeholders cautioned against actions they said could undermine confidence in the credibility of the primaries and create avoidable internal divisions within the party.

They maintained that Oyi and Ayamelum Federal Constituency, as well as the wider Omambala zone, has capable party leaders and stakeholders who understand the internal democratic processes of the APC and should therefore be allowed to conduct their affairs without outside pressure.

The group urged the APC leadership to ensure strict adherence to the party’s constitution and democratic principles throughout the primary election process.

They further appealed to the state chairman, party executives, and national leadership of the APC to intervene where necessary in order to reassure party faithful of a transparent and acceptable process ahead of the primaries.