After a crucial meeting on matters affecting it, prominent members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, yesterday resolved to reposition the party ahead of 2019 election
The stakeholders said strengthening and getting the party ready to take over the state in 2019 was of utmost priority, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) -led administration had dashed the expectations of Abians.
Fielding questions from newsmen after the meeting, held in Abuja residence of former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, the state APC Chairman, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, said the party had been inundated with calls to rescue the state, especially by many newcomers, some of whom, he said, participated in the meeting. He said the APC had resolved to heed the call for the eventual game winning and to restore true democratic change in Abia by 2019.
Nwankpa said: “Part of the decisions taken by the caucus members is to be expedient in publishing names of all the party officials from ward level to state level.
“The party has also resolved to open up all the instituted party offices in the state with immediate effect”.
Also, he said the party had decided not to be distracted by any erring member, adding that the penalty for anyone found wanting and acting on external influence was automatic expulsion. “ There must be party discipline and already we have tolerated much. Right now we are not going to take it anymore, but we are also going to persuade them. People should be reasonable, because we know that some of them are influenced by external forces, who are afraid of the level APC has risen in the state.
“We are no longer talking of whether the PDP- led government is doing well or not, what we are saying is that we are going to effect a change in Abia, because we know we have the capacity to do something far better, because for now, APC knows what it takes to have good governance. Abians are yet to enjoy democracy,” he said.
Earlier, in his remarks, a member of the party Board of Trustees and Chairman, Abia of the caucus, Chief Sam Nkire, thanked members for what he referred to as, ‘impressive turn out’, adding that the quality of APC membership in Abia spoke volumes of what the party could yet achieve.
He also charged the chieftains to remain focused and work towards growing the party.
Corroborating other speakers at the meeting, the convener, Dr. Kalu, remarked that the party needed everybody’s commitment to grow and achieve its goal. He cautioned against factionalism, saying anyone found to be promoting such should be expelled. This drew thunderous applause from those in attendance including former senators, members of the Federal House of Representatives, retired generals and various public office holders.
Among the new entrants are Chief Marc Wabara, retired Generals C.O. Okoro and Nwogbo.