TDThere was tension in Okpoko community in Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State following the omission of Zeribe Ezeanuna’s name from the list of aspirants cleared by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the House of Representatives primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ezeanuna, an aspirant for the Ogbaru Federal Constituency seat, was reportedly screened in Abuja alongside two other aspirants.
However, while the other contenders were cleared for the primary election scheduled for next week, his name was missing from the final list released by the party.
The development sparked anger among youths and supporters in Okpoko, a densely populated community in Ogbaru Local Government Area.
Some supporters reportedly threatened to stage protests while chanting “we no gree, we no gree” before community leaders intervened and appealed for calm pending clarification from the party leadership.
Reacting to the development, a youth leader and rights activist, Comrade Martin Okechi, questioned the alleged exclusion of Ezeanuna from the exercise.
“Why should they disqualify Zeribe who is a true member of APGA and clear people who recently joined the party from other political groups?” he asked.
Okechi insisted that Okpoko community was determined to produce the next representative for Ogbaru Federal Constituency.
He warned that supporters would resist any attempt to deny Ezeanuna the ticket.
“Zeribe is the candidate of Okpoko community and we are ready to deliver him under APGA.
“Without fielding Zeribe, Peter Obi’s candidate will take Ogbaru again,” he stated.
Speaking on the controversy, Ezeanuna confirmed that he attended the screening exercise in Abuja.
He said that he was surprised to discover that his name was omitted from the list of cleared aspirants.
“I was in Abuja to face the screening panel and I was screened under the rules and protocol.
“I answered the questions asked and was later told to bow and go.
“I am surprised that my name is not among those cleared,” he said.
The aspirant added that members of the screening panel reportedly described him as a foundation member of APGA in Ogbaru after hearing his presentation.
Ezeanuna said he would reach out to relevant party stakeholders, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and APGA National Chairman Sly Ezeokenwa, to seek clarification over the issue.
“I believe the leadership of the party will not allow this alleged hijacking of APGA in Ogbaru to stand,” he added.
