Why Anambra APC Opposes Bianca Ojukwu's Ministerial Nomination

The Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to express strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu's nomination of Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, a move that has ignited internal strife within the party. APC leaders argue that appointing Bianca Ojukwu, a known member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), threatens party unity and reflects anti-party sentiments.

Following the nomination announcement, key APC stakeholders in Anambra, including Chief Bunty Onuigbo, criticized the appointment as controversial and against the interests of loyal APC members. Dr. Josef Onoh, Bianca's brother and a former spokesperson for Tinubu's campaign, defended his sister's nomination, labeling the APC's opposition as baseless. Onoh's defense, however, has only deepened the rift, with APC's Zonal Publicity Secretary for Anambra Central, Igboeli Arinze Napoleon, and the Anambra APC Renewal Group (AARG) condemning both the nomination and Onoh's response.

Napoleon's statement further highlighted the party's internal turmoil, describing the nomination as a potential source of discord. "This controversy reflects deeper divisions within the party as we restructure and position for future elections,ÔÇØ Napoleon noted, urging an inclusive approach to appointments that align with local party interests.

In a pointed critique, Napoleon challenged Onoh's accusations that Anambra APC performed poorly in the 2023 presidential election, turning out a low vote count for Tinubu. He claimed the majority of APC members in Anambra remained loyal, despite challenges faced by other states, including Osun, Katsina, and Yobe.

The rejection of Bianca Ojukwu's nomination is not rooted in gender bias, Napoleon clarified. He referenced APC's previous support of notable female leaders, such as Sharon Ikeazor and Senator Margery Okadigbo, stressing that qualified candidates should be chosen from within the party. As calls for unity grow, the Anambra APC's opposition to Bianca's nomination underscores deepening divisions within the state chapter that could impact the party's future trajectory.