CPC Expels ‘Renegade’ Southern Leaders

Adebiyi Adedapo

20 May 2011

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Thursday wielded the big stick against erring members.

Party stalwarts from the South-south, Southeast and Southwest geopolitical zones who openly opposed the decision of the party to challenge President Goodluck Jonathan’s victory in the April 16 presidential poll have now been expelled from the party.

The Sokoto State chairman and secretary as well as the Kano State chairman have been suspended indefinitely.

CPC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary Rotimi Fashakin, announced that the party members who took part in countering the decision of the party’s national leadership to challenge the presidential election result in court have been expelled.

According to Fashakin, the decision of the National Leadership of the CPC is part of the party’s efforts to reposition and be on a stronger footing.

“The Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, hereby brings to the notice of the Nigerian public the decision of its National Executive Committee to discipline some erring members, as part of the on-going efforts to re-position the party on a stronger footing.

The members (from South-South, South-East and South-west zones) that took part in the infamous press release wherein the decision of the National leadership file petition against the conduct and result of the Presidential election was disparaged are hereby expelled from the party,” he said.

The expelled party members are Sylvester Igwillo (Anambra), Emeka Okafor (Enugu), Nnoli Amaechi, Azunna Obiegis, Edward E. Ofomona (Delta), Austin Asuquo (Cross River), Williams Bareji (Bayelsa), Ben Anuebunwa (Imo), Effiong B. Obotynyah (Akwa Ibom) and Adewale Adeleke (Oyo).

The party has also set up a special committee to investigate Mr. Graceman Iheanacho, who denied involvement in the matter, claiming that his name was included without him consent.

CPC had earlier alleged that some members of the party from South-east geo-political zone were bought over to compromise loyalty to the party in the April 16 presidential election after they were accused of mismanaging funds meant for the party agents in the zone.

He stated further that the Sokoto State chairman of the party, Alhaji Kasim Chika-Ainu and secretary Alhaji Mohammed Mustafa had a vote of no-confidence passed on them by the state executive members, while the Kano chairman Alhaji Danazumi Gwarzo is being investigated for alleged anti-party activities, and insubordination.

AllAfrica – All the Time