A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Offor Okorie, has insisted that the internal crisis in the state chapter of the party was caused by the injustice meted suffered by the foundation members during 2022 congresses.

He regretted that the crisis factionalized the Abia APC, leading to the emergence of two gubernatorial candidates, which was later determined at the Supreme Court few weeks to the 2023 elections.

Okorie, who doubles as the Abia factional Publicity Secretary of the APC, spoke on Sunday while reacting to a recent meeting of local government and ward executive committee members of the party in the state, presided by the state chairman, Kingsley Ononogbu.

He claimed that Ononogbu was a major factor in the problems in Abia APC, and accused him of refusing to recognize most leaders who built the party in the state.

“Who ever knew Dr Ononogbu in the history of Abia APC? He was never in the picture of Abia APC from the formation stage. I can beat my heart and tell you that Dr Ononogbu does not know 90 per cent of the leaders of the party in the state.

“He anchors his trust and leadership in just one leader in the person of Chief Ikechi Emenike.

“How can you unite the party when you can’t reach out to other leaders, or call people that knows to direct you on the way to go? Leadership is not staying in the comfort of your house and call yourself chairman when you are leading nobody. It shows you are only taking a walk.

“How can Abia APC be in peace when he, Kingsley Ononogbu, refused to recognise leaders who have put in their best, both financially and physically, in building the party since from the formation stage till now, and are still major players and senior members of the party?”

“I will advice Dr Ononogbu to humble himself, reach out to the other factional executives because that is the executive that has the grip of the party from the ward to the LGA.

“He should call for a meeting with the two factions, sort out their differences and organise a unity rally that everybody will come together under one canopy.

“I believe Abia State APC will be one if the wrongs are made right,” Okorie stated.