A group under the aegis of Concerned Citizens of Anioma, Delta State, has petitioned the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, alleging irregularities, intimidation and undue influence in the conduct of the party’s senatorial primary election in Delta State.
In a protest letter addressed to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, the group expressed concern that the internal democratic process of the party in Delta State may have been compromised, warning that the development could erode public confidence in the party.
The petition, signed by the group’s Coordinator, Gregory Olufemi Iyama, and Secretary, John Onyema Arthur, alleged that there were widespread concerns among party members and stakeholders in Anioma over the conduct of the primary election.
According to the group, there are allegations that a senator was politically active within APC structures despite claims that he had not formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a situation they said had generated confusion among party supporters at the grassroots.
The group also alleged that political narratives linking former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had further heightened tension and distrust within the APC fold in Delta State.
They further claimed that supporters of Munir Chinedu Nwoko believed the outcome of the primaries did not reflect the genuine wishes of the people, alleging that political interference and the use of influence may have affected the credibility and fairness of the exercise.
The petitioners stated that such developments were contributing to negative perceptions of the APC in Delta State and could adversely affect the party’s image ahead of future elections.
The group, therefore, called on the APC national leadership to urgently investigate the allegations, ensure compliance with the party’s constitution and internal democratic principles, and take necessary steps to restore confidence among members and supporters.
They also appealed for calm among party faithful, stressing that the Concerned Citizens of Anioma were committed to peace, justice, transparency and fairness in all political processes.
