The 12 contenders cleared by the national headquarters of the APC to battle for tomorrow's primary election in Anambra state ahead of the gubernatorial election has been dealt a blow.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has said that the party primary earlier slated for tomorrow has been shifted to August 26 to make adequate arrangements, including getting accommodation for delegates.
But sources said beyond what the party leaders said, there were contentious issues that must be addressed for the APC to be on sound footing to confront the ruling APGA in the state.
There were 12 contenders cleared by the national headquarters of the APC for the delegates to select one from, a situation seen as one that may make or mar the party’s chances in the November 18 election as each of them, including a female, appeared ready to grab the lone ticket.
They included Chukwuma Paul; Madu Nonso I.; Moghalu George N.; Nwibe Bart; Nwike Patrick N.; Nwoye Tony; Obidigbo Chike; Okonwko D.; Onunkwo Johnbosco O.; Uba Andy E.; Uchegbu Adoabi K. and Uzoh Obinna.
The state chairman of the party, Mr Emeka Ibeh, who announced the shifting of the primaries at a press briefing in Awka, yesterday, noted that the party had some difficulty securing government owned accommodation for the programme.
He explained that the party wrote to the Anambra State government to release the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, but the approval was yet to be granted.
“For a successful primary, the party would need to use the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Dora Akunyili Centre and one other big venue,” he said.
He said over 5000 delegates were expected to participate in the exercise, adding that three venues would be required for accreditation of delegates and the voting proper.
On the crisis rocking the state chapter of the party, Ibeh said it was orchestrated by two members who were suspended from the party but wanted to claim what they were not.
He also blamed the misunderstanding over the delegates’ list on the fact that some party members still paraded the old delegates’ list used in 2014, saying that could not stand because some people had left while others had joined the APC.