Anambra APC Opposes Bianca Ojukwu’s Ministerial Nomination, Cites Party Loyalty Concerns

The Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified its opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, describing the move as “anti-party.”

Tinubu’s government announced the nomination of Ojukwu, the widow of the late Biafran warlord Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, on Wednesday.

However, APC stakeholders in Anambra have expressed discontent, arguing that Ojukwu is associated with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), not the APC.

Chief Bunty Onuigbo, representing Anambra APC stakeholders, criticized the appointment, while Dr. Josef Onoh, Bianca’s brother and former spokesperson of Tinubu’s campaign council, condemned the party’s rejection of her nomination.

The controversy has deepened internal rifts within the Anambra APC, with more members voicing opposition.

In a statement issued by Igboeli Arinze Napoleon, the Zonal Publicity Secretary of Anambra Central APC and coordinator of the Anambra APC Renewal Group (AARG), he criticized both the nomination and Onoh’s comments.

“While we acknowledge the president’s prerogative in making ministerial appointments, we must express our concerns about the potential for discord within party ranks,” Napoleon stated.

“This controversy reflects deeper divisions within the party as it grapples with internal restructuring and positions for future electoral contests.

AARG will soon call for a more inclusive approach to appointments and unity within our state chapter.”

Napoleon also addressed Onoh’s criticism of the party’s electoral performance in Anambra, where APC secured only 5,111 votes in the 2023 presidential election.

“Onoh’s allegations are infantile. We challenge his credibility as a party spokesperson. There was no widespread anti-party activity in Anambra during the election.

While some leaders worked against the party’s interests, the majority of our members remained loyal to the presidential candidate,” he said.

He further noted that electoral challenges were not unique to Anambra, citing similar issues in Osun, Katsina, and Yobe states.

Regarding the rejection of Bianca’s nomination, Napoleon refuted suggestions of gender bias, pointing out the party’s history of supporting women.

“Our party has always backed women for key positions, including Sharon Ikeazor and Senator Margery Okadigbo.

We have capable women within the APC fold, so there’s no need to bring in someone from outside the party,” Napoleon stressed.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within Anambra APC as the party works to resolve internal conflicts and reposition itself for upcoming elections.