All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Anambra State have strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s choice to appoint Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as a minister-designate, calling it an “anti-party action” that risks weakening party loyalty.

During an emergency meeting on Thursday in Awka, the APC leaders questioned the president’s decision to appoint Ojukwu without consulting the party’s local members. They voiced concerns that this move undermines party solidarity and could demoralize APC supporters in the state.

High Chief Bunty Onuigbo, South East Zonal Secretary of the APC and member of the APC Elders Forum in Anambra, spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, stating, “This is nothing but an act of anti-party, and it is detrimental. By empowering members of other political parties at the expense of the APC in Anambra State, Mr. President is not supporting party loyalty.”

Onuigbo further questioned if Tinubu’s actions might prompt a wave of defections, asking, “Does Mr. President want a mass defection of APC members in Anambra to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)? Is he indirectly working for APGA in Anambra State?”

He described the situation as “unheard of and highly demoralising,” accusing the APC’s national leadership of strengthening opposition parties to the detriment of the APC’s standing in Anambra. “This is a group that despises the APC and wants nothing to do with us. Mr. President is encouraging them by making such appointments,” Onuigbo added.

Following the meeting, the APC stakeholders in Anambra resolved to formally present their concerns to State Chairman Chief Basil Ejidike, who will relay them to the party’s National Working Committee and National Executive Committee for further consideration.