The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ebonyi has said it will not sanction aspirants who obtain nomination forms for various political offices in defiance of its adopted consensus arrangement.
The state chairman of the party, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, made the disclosure on Sunday while speaking with newsmen, noting that “every house has stubborn children.”
Okoro-Emegha said the party expected that some aspirants who were not favoured in the consensus arrangement would still purchase nomination forms, possibly from the party’s headquarters in Abuja.
“We will use dialogue to make such aspirants see reason with the decisions of the leaders and stakeholders of the party.
“We will let them know that though it is their right to contest and they believe in their capabilities, they should allow those endorsed to contest.
“You cannot sanction your son who wants to engage in a wrestling bout to defend your home but will only persuade him if you think otherwise of such engagement,” he said.
The state APC chairman said it could not presently ascertain whether any such aspirant had obtained a form until lists of aspirants were published by the headquarters.
“We, however, believe that no one will work against the party’s interest because we are serving the people.
“Any person who wants to contest any position should consult the governor because he is the father and leader of the party.
“The governor knows the strength of everyone and can advise appropriately in the best interest of the party,” he said.
He urged the media to exercise restraint in its reportage of events surrounding the consensus arrangement, as the party needed to be united for the task ahead.
“Overzealousness can make some persons write what leaders have not said, and that is why we want people to know their boundaries.
“Our leaders participated actively in the consensus process and all of them were carried along,” he said.
