The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ahiaukwu Ward 2, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, has officially suspended its State Secretary, Mr. Chidi Avajah, over alleged gross violation of the party’s constitution. This decision, which signals rising internal tensions within the state chapter, was disclosed in a statement signed by the Acting Ward Chairman, Nwabueze Ndumele, and Secretary, Ifeanyichukwu John.
According to the statement released on Monday, the resolution was reached during a ward meeting held on Saturday at the Okaiuga Civic Hall, Okwu Olokoro, where members unanimously agreed that Avajah’s actions were unconstitutional and detrimental to internal democracy.
The party accused Avajah of unilaterally appointing an acting ward chairman following the demise of the former chairman, bypassing due process and ignoring congress-elected party officials. This, the party leadership noted, was a direct violation of Article 21, Section A, subsections ii, vi, and vii of the APC constitution, which outlines offences and disciplinary actions for misconduct by party members.
In addition to the secretary’s suspension, the party also sanctioned another member, Mr. Onyekwere Chibuike Sylvester, for alleged impersonation as Ahiaukwu Ward II chairman — an action considered in breach of Article 21, Section A, subsection iv.
Furthermore, the ward executive revealed that there was no evidence that Mr. Avajah had fulfilled his financial obligations to the party. “There is no record showing that Chief Chidi Avajah has paid his monthly dues to the party as stipulated by Article 9, Section 9.2, Subsection ii,” the statement emphasized.
In light of the alleged infractions, the APC in Ahiaukwu Ward 2 announced the formation of a seven-man disciplinary committee tasked with investigating the conduct of both Avajah and Sylvester. The committee is expected to submit a detailed report which may determine further disciplinary actions, including possible expulsion from the party if the allegations are upheld.
Party members at the meeting reportedly reaffirmed their commitment to restoring discipline and order within the ward. “The party shall enthrone discipline and adhere strictly to the provisions of our revered party constitution,” the statement added.
Political observers in the state see this development as part of a broader internal struggle within the Abia APC, which has been grappling with factional disputes, leadership tussles, and allegations of imposition of candidates — challenges that have significantly weakened its electoral performance in recent years.
Sources within the party revealed that some grassroots members had long expressed discontent with how some state executives were allegedly sidelining ward-level leaders in decision-making processes. With the 2027 general election on the horizon, the APC in Abia appears to be taking early steps to reposition and sanitize its internal structure for better electoral prospects.
Efforts to reach Mr. Chidi Avajah for comments were unsuccessful as of press time. Meanwhile, the Abia State APC leadership has yet to issue an official response regarding the suspension and whether it has been ratified at the state level.