By Wole Adedoyin
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a statement released by the commission.
INEC’s statement claimed recognition of Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of APGA, citing a judgment by the Court of Appeal that allegedly affirmed an earlier FCT High Court ruling.
This announcement has prompted a stern rebuttal from APGA.
Mazi Ejimofor Opara KSM, the National Publicity Secretary of APGA, issued a press statement rejecting INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
According to Opara, neither the FCT High Court nor the Court of Appeal ever declared Edozie Njoku as APGA’s National Chairman.
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Furthermore, Opara pointed out that there is no court mandate for INEC to recognize Njoku, nor is there evidence of INEC monitoring any convention held by Njoku.
APGA criticized INEC’s decision, which it based on an incorrect interpretation of the Supreme Court’s corrected judgment from March 24, 2023.
The party emphasized that the Supreme Court never pronounced Njoku as the National Chairman, and this was reinforced by a concurring judgment from one of the Court of Appeal Justices.
The party questioned the basis of INEC’s decision, noting that it was not grounded in any court judgment.
Additionally, Opara highlighted that Njoku had claimed to have won the National Chairmanship in a purported 2019 Owerri convention, which would have had a four-year tenure ending in 2023.
Regardless, the tenure in question has already elapsed, and APGA has since conducted a National Convention that elected Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa as the National Chairman.
The statement stressed that no existing court judgment recognizes Njoku as the National Chairman.
Opara recounted an incident where Jude Okeke, claiming to be APGA’s National Chairman, was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which affirmed Victor Oye’s position—a judgment upheld by the Supreme Court.
Moreover, APGA noted that the correct interpretation of the Supreme Court’s judgment was clarified by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division. This judgment was affirmed by the Court of Appeal, establishing that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court had recognized Njoku as APGA’s National Chairman.
The party expressed concern over INEC’s decision, emphasizing that neither Ezeokenwa nor APGA was involved in the suit leading to the contested judgment.
APGA suggested that INEC acted under pressure and ignored a pending appeal and stay of execution motion filed by Chief Victor Oye, choosing instead to enforce a judgment that did not declare Njoku as Chairman.
APGA reiterated that Njoku is not recognized as the National Chairman by any court. The party called for INEC to operate within legal boundaries, criticizing the commission’s arbitrary actions.
APGA announced plans to challenge INEC’s decision in court, affirming that the current leadership under Sly Ezeokenwa remains legitimate.
The party assured its members and the public of its commitment to overcoming this challenge, urging calm and patience.
APGA called on INEC to reverse its decision in the interest of justice, vowing to continue its progress despite the recent setback. APGA remains confident that with divine guidance, the party will triumph over this obstacle.
