Abia 2023: APC rules out zoning formula in governorship contest, says ticket up for grabs
[From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia]
All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State says it would not zone the governorship slot to any part of the state in 2023 but rather throw it open because of its quest to elect the best and enthrone a visionary and committed leadership dedicated to serving Abians.
Abia APC Chairman, Chief Donatus Nwankpa, who disclosed this to newsmen in Umuahia Wednesday, noted that the problem facing the state was not where the governor would come from but the quality of leadership offered by such a person.
Responding to a question as to whether the Abia APC would still maintain its no-zoning policy in the governorship position come 2023, Nwankpa answered in the affirmative.
“Yes, we will still maintain it. The problem of Abia State today is not where the governor will come from, the governor of Abia today, what is the quality of your government? What is the quality of the leadership, what is the vision of the leader? So, APC wants to produce a governor that will truly be a governor with vision, mission and commitment to serve the people,” he said.
Nwankpa told members of APC that they journey to producing leaders in the state come 2023 was kicking off in the party with sales of forms for election of Ward executives during the Ward Congresses scheduled to hold on July 31, 2021.
“I am here to officially announce to you that the processes leading to the Congress of APC in Abia State have officially begun. In view of that, members of the party, including the new members, who are interested should purchase forms at the stipulated prices. To that effect, the secretariat will now remain open for 24 hours for sale of forms,” Nwankpa said.
He said the forms were brought to the Azikiwe Road party secretariat in Umuahia by a three-man team lead by one Obinna Ugama, adding that the team after handing over the materials; would equally monitor it sales.
The Abia APC chieftain was categorical that all APC members were qualified to contest provided they met the requirements.
“APC has give everybody waiver as long as you are a registered member. The strict condition is that you must meet some stipulated requirements such as academic qualifications for certain offices; you must be a registered member of the party and thirdly, you must be a registered voter.
“There is no automatic position for anybody, but there is also no restriction against past executive members by virtue of the waiver granted them by the National Caretaker and Special Convention Committee led by the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Bunni, who is the acting National Caretaker Chairman of the party,” he said.
He, however, warned party faithful to beware of fake forms, which he said “was flying around,” stressing that the authentic forms must be bought from the state party secretariat and must be duly signed by himself and the State Secretary, “to authenticate the genuineness of all the forms.”
Nwankpa said the cost of the form for position of Ward Chairman is N10, 000; while for the positions of Deputy Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, the cost of the form is N5, 000 and the form will go for N2, 000 for the rest of the remaining positions.
