In a surprising move less than 24 hours before the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary election in Anambra State, Paul Chukwuma, a leading contender for the party’s ticket and former National Auditor of the APC, announced his resignation from the party.
Chukwuma also confirmed his withdrawal from the APC primary, but made it clear that his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the Renewed Hope agenda remains firm and unwavering.
The New Telegraph recalls that the APC has been embroiled in internal turmoil following the controversial conduct of the recent Ward Delegate election. Tensions have escalated, with aspirants and party members accusing state leadership of favoring a particular new entrant. Further allegations suggest that the delegate list for the primary election was manipulated to benefit this aspirant.
In a formal letter addressed to the Ward Chairman of Umuleri Ward 2, Chukwuma stated:
“I write to formally notify you of my resignation as a card-carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). My decision is driven by my quest to connect Anambra State to national politics by building a broader and more inclusive political movement within the state, in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. While I thank you for your leadership over the years, please be assured of my continued support for your shared progressive ideals, as I will devote more time to pursuing the realization of a safe and prosperous Anambra State. Kindly accept my highest regards.”
Chukwuma did not specify whether he intends to continue in the race for Anambra’s November 8th gubernatorial election, nor did he clarify if he would join another party. He added, “Let me rest for now and appraise what I have done so far before taking a stand.”
As the political landscape in Anambra continues to shift, all eyes will be on Chukwuma’s next move in the lead-up to the state election.