ANAMBRA 2017: Chidoka, Ufodile, may lose chance to vie for guber poll

The aspiration of the former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka and that of an erstwhile House of Reps member, Chudi Ofodile, on Tuesday came under threat following their alleged suspension by the United Peoples Party (UPP), Anambra State chapter, over alleged anti-party activities.

Said to have been suspended alongside the two aspirants are the national treasurer of the party, Flint Obiekwe and Nwabueze Anyichie, deputy national secretary.

Chidoka was, however, quick to deny his suspension from the UPP. In a statement released by the Media Director, Osita Chidoka Campaign, Viola Ifeyinwa Okolie, the UPP aspirant for the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State, described the news of his suspension as fake.

The statement read in part, “Our attention has been drawn to reports circulating in a section of the media that frontline contender in the November 18, 2017 Anambra governorship election, Chief Osita Chidoka has been suspended from our great party, the United Progressive Party (UPP).

“This is totally misleading and aimed at destabilizing our great party ahead of our governorship election primaries scheduled for August 19, 2017. For the avoidance of doubt and to set the record straight, Chief Osita Chidoka has not been suspended from the party and he is not facing any disciplinary issues whatsoever with the party.”

Acknowledging that there attempts to disrupt UPP’s cohesion, Chidoka added, “While we are aware of forces outside our party bent at causing confusion within our ranks, having realized our massive support from the people ahead of the elections, we state in very strong terms that they are fighting a lost battle as we are not in anyway distracted in our mission to return Anambra back to the people come November 18, 2017.

However, handing down the suspension order to Chidoka and Ofodile, the state chairman of UPP, Dr. Sylvester Igwilo, counted their offence to include among others, breach of article seven paragraph (b) of the registered constitution of UPP, and non production and submission of any documentary evidence of their resignation from their former political parties.

Other allegations against them, according to the chairman, include, “Introducing money politics of inducing members with cash donation which tends to bring the image of the party into disrepute and ridicule.

Read also: ANAMBRA 2017: Perfect plot! Obiano gets nominated as APGA guber candidate

“Going to Abuja to deposit an illegal sum of N5, 000,000.00 without the consent and approval of the state executive committee. Appearing for a purported screening without the approval and authority of the state executive committee, outside the provision in the party constitution (Article 16 d).

“Anti –Party activities to undermine the state executive authority on party congress and Illegally opening personal campaign offices outside the party local branches, thereby running a parallel party organization.”

There are concerns that the actions of the Igwilo-led state executive will impact negatively on party cohesion, as it is not clear yet if its directives received the blessings of the national executives.
By Ebere Ndukwu …

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