South-East APM chairmen reject Makinde campaign coordinators

The rejection by the South-East APM chairmen of the newly appointed campaign coordinators for the Seyi Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Council signals significant internal friction within the party. While the chairmen from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states affirmed their support for Makinde's presidential ambition and his 'RESET Nigeria' agenda, their communiqué clearly outlines a deep dissatisfaction with the operational aspects of the campaign.

RESET Nigeria Agenda

The chairmen's communiqué explicitly states their commitment to the 'RESET Nigeria Agenda,' indicating a foundational alignment with the party's broader vision and presidential candidate. This initial support suggests that their grievances are not about the candidate or the party's overall goals, but rather about the methodology and respect for established party hierarchy. Their endorsement of Makinde's ambition provides a crucial context, framing their rejection as an attempt to strengthen the campaign rather than undermine it from a position of opposition.

This distinction is vital for understanding the nature of the conflict. It implies that a resolution could be found if the party leadership addresses the procedural and structural concerns, as the underlying ideological and candidate support remains intact. The chairmen's public declaration, however, puts pressure on the national leadership to acknowledge and rectify what they perceive as an oversight or deliberate sidelining.

Coordinatorship Structures

The core of the dispute revolves around the creation of 'coordinatorship structures' without adequate consultation with the recognized state chairmen. The chairmen view these parallel structures as inconsistent with principles of internal democracy and collective responsibility. They argue that such arrangements usurp the responsibilities of duly recognized state executives, creating confusion and unnecessary rivalry within the party ranks.

This issue speaks to a common challenge in political campaigns where central leadership attempts to implement strategies that may not align with local party structures. The chairmen emphasize that campaign resources are most effective when entrusted to established party structures that possess the capacity for strategic and transparent deployment. The imposition of external coordinators, they contend, undermines existing leadership and weakens the unity essential for a successful presidential campaign, potentially leading to a fragmented and inefficient mobilization effort.

Grievances

The chairmen's grievances extend beyond mere procedural oversight; they include a demand for all campaign materials, including vehicles, branded equipment, and publicity materials, to be handed over to them for distribution. This highlights a concern over resource control and equitable distribution, suggesting a lack of trust in the new coordinatorship structures to manage these assets effectively or fairly. Their appeal to the party’s presidential flagbearer, Seyi Makinde, and the APM national leadership, including Senator Bala Mohammed, underscores the urgency of their demands.

The warning that failure to address these grievances could lead them to 'reconsider their continued participation' in the campaign arrangement is a significant escalation. This threat of withdrawal or non-cooperation could severely hamper the APM's efforts in the South-East, a crucial geopolitical zone. The chairmen's stance reflects a desire to protect their influence and ensure that their roles are respected within the party's campaign framework, emphasizing the need for immediate and satisfactory resolution to prevent further organizational cohesion issues.