The Need for Party Discipline, Respect for Stakeholders

By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha

The attention of Onitsha South Local Government has been drawn to a publication by Onunkwo Kizzito, a state officer of our great party, which was circulated across several WhatsApp groups.

In a press release which was signed and made available to Journalist, the Secretary to the Council, Hon.Paul Onuachalla Mr. stated, “In that publication, the author alleged “indiscipline” on the part of the Onitsha South stakeholders and/or the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government.

“It is important to state from the outset that this publication first surfaced on the New APGA Interactive Platform at about 5:26 p.m., on Tuesday 10-02-2026 and it was posted personally by the author, Onunkwo Kizzito.

“As a matter of fact, Rt. Hon. Emeka Joseph Orji did not participate in the stakeholders’ meeting held on 9th February 2026 at the Onitsha South Local Government Council Headquarters.

“Turning to the substance of the belated publication, it must be acknowledged that a stakeholders’ meeting was indeed scheduled to hold on 9th February at the Onitsha South Local Government Council Headquarters, in line with the guidelines of our great party.

“However, sadly, at the eleventh hour, a rumour circulated via WhatsApp messages alleging that the scheduled stakeholders’ meeting had been cancelled. The milage of the said WhatsApp message is limited, yet no further attempts to reach out to all and sundries.

“Crucially, there is no evidence that the source of this alleged cancellation represented an official position of the party.

“There was also no formal communication to the host Local Government, the Mayor, or the LGA party leadership on ground confirming such cancellation to all concerned. In addition, several other rumours emerged suggesting manipulations of the entire process, yet no official clarification or communication was issued to the respected stakeholders.

“Given these circumstances, the Onitsha South stakeholders were compelled to invoke the doctrine of necessity and proceed to make their recommendations accordingly.

“This action was neither an act of indiscipline nor defiance, but rather a response to the vacuum created by the party managers’ failure to communicate clearly and responsibly.

“The undeniable fact remains that there was a clear breakdown in communication between the party managers and the stakeholders of Onitsha South.

“A simple two-line notice, written on party letterheaded paper, duly signed and dated by an authorised officer of the party, would have effectively allayed the fears and confusion of the stakeholders.

“In truth, the party deserved better handling from those entrusted with its management. When such basic standards of engagement and respect are not upheld, it inevitably creates strained relationships that are capable of derailing the party’s focus, cohesion, and strategic direction.

“For instance, the belated publication purporting to cancel the stakeholders’ meeting demonstrated little or no regard for the stakeholders themselves.
Even more troubling, the timing and manner of the cancellation showed a gross disregard for the office of the Mayor, who was the official host of the meeting.

“The cancellation, coming after the host had already made extensive preparations for the event, amounted to a public embarrassment to the good people of Onitsha, and particularly to the Mayor, who had expended significant resources in anticipation of hosting the stakeholders.

“It is both sad and disheartening that in a structured political organisation where the Mayor is not only a critical stakeholder but also a major supporter of the party,the office of the Mayor could be treated with such neglect and disregard.

“Under these circumstances, one would reasonably expect the party managers to show a sense of remorse and responsibility by tendering an apology to the aggrieved stakeholders whose confidence was shaken by the belated cancellation.

“It is also noteworthy that the same belated publication announced the disqualification of Dr. Emeka Aniebonam, leaving our great party with only three qualified candidates to join the incumbent at the next stage of the process.

“This information, by its nature, is not too sensitive to be formally and transparently communicated to stakeholders, rather than being casually introduced through an afterthought publication.

“Party discipline is a two-way obligation. While stakeholders must remain loyal to party structures, party managers must equally respect stakeholders, uphold clear communication, and act in a manner that strengthens unity rather than breeds resentment.

“Going by our working governor mantra,that if it is not written it does not exist. I strongly stand by it”Onuachalla posited.