APGA in Dilemma over Maja, Ndukwe for Anambra South Senatorial Ticket

The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State is currently torn apart over who gets the ticket to fly the party’s flag for the elusive Anambra South senatorial zone.

According to investigations, the party is in a dilemma over giving the nod to new entrant in politics, Ernest Ndukwe or to experienced politician, Maja Umeh.
Ndukwe until recently was the chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) while Umeh was a commissioner in the administration of Peter Obi, immediate past governor of Anambra State.
While a minority group in the party favours Ndukwe, the majority favour Umeh based on his long membership of the party and past contributions. They see him as a tried and tested party faithful who will remain in the party after winning the election.
But for Ndukwe, he is seen in many quarters as one of those who only want to use the party’s platform to achieve their immediate ambition and then switch loyalties later.
Although Ndukwe has a national appeal, he is however seen as hanging in the air locally without any structure, a development that could weaken the party’s chances in the main election. His loyalty to the party is also doubtful, especially as the party is still smarting from the exit of some federal lawmakers to PDP.
APGA is further pressured by the Ekwulobia Resolution at which it was unanimously agreed that the party’s standard bearers in the southern zone must be those with strong and reliable antecedents in the party.
There is also the Okey Ude factor. Udeh was once a federal house lawmaker under PDP before defecting to APGA where he lost his bid to return to house. Although he has remained in the party since then, his failure last time out is seen as a major blur.
As the primaries of APGA draw near, how the party resolves this issue will determine how far it will go in winning for the first time in Anambra South.