By Nwagboh Benita, Awka
APGA Next Generation, a political organization representing the young people under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has declared unalloyed support for Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa amidst recent leadership issues orchestrated by INEC.
This dispute arose following INEC’s alleged incorrect recognition of Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of the party.
The organization’s stance was articulated in an official statement co-signed by their National Convener, Gozie Ofonze, National Secretary, Adaobi Onyele, and National Publicity Secretary, Chinonso Onyeanusi and seen by NewdayReporters.
In the statement, APGA Next Generation criticized INEC for facilitating political misconduct by acknowledging a person who was not legally elected at any national convention observed or monitored by INEC as the National Chairman of APGA.
They reaffirmed their loyalty to APGA under the leadership of Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, emphasizing that his leadership has inspired hope among the Next Generation and young people nationwide.
The statement highlighted the ongoing transformation within the party, particularly the digitization of the membership register, as part of the positive changes being implemented.
They also cautioned political opportunists and detractors to stay away from the party, emphasizing that the Ezeokenwa-led executives require focus and should not be distracted.
Read full statement below:
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
In response to the recent error by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in recognizing Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), we wish to clarify our position that INEC’s decision, allegedly based on a judgment by the Court of Appeal affirming an earlier FCT High Court ruling, is fundamentally flawed and illogical.
We unequivocally recognize Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa as the legitimate National Chairman of APGA. INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal judgment is incorrect and lacks rational basis.
Notably, the FCT High Court in Bwari Judicial Division did not declare Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of APGA, nor did the Court of Appeal. No court has issued a judgment mandating INEC to recognize Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman.
There is no evidence that INEC monitored any convention held by Edozie Njoku and his associates. No court has declared him the Chairman of APGA. The decision by INEC is a significant and inexplicable error.
The bizarre decision purportedly complies with a High Court judgment upheld by the Court of Appeal, which was intended to enforce an earlier Supreme Court judgment corrected on March 24, 2023.
However, the Supreme Court did not pronounce Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of APGA, nor did the High Court or the Court of Appeal. This is further supported by a concurring judgment from one of the Justices on the Court of Appeal panel, clearly stating that the Supreme Court did not declare Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman.
This raises the question of which judgment INEC was following in making its decision.
Edozie Njoku’s claim of winning the National Chairmanship in a supposed 2019 Owerri convention, which is non-existent, is based on a sworn affidavit. The convention never happened and it is not in the record of INEC to have witnessed or monitored any Convention that produced Edozie Njoku as National Chairman.
No existing court judgment has declared Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of APGA. The claim is a fabrication and was rejected by the Court of Appeal in Kano, which upheld Victor Oye as the National Chairman of APGA, a decision affirmed by the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, the correct interpretation of the Supreme Court’s corrected judgment has been clarified by the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, under Hon Justice James Omotosho. He ruled that the Supreme Court never declared Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of APGA, and that Victor Ike Oye was the duly elected National Chairman at the relevant times. This judgment has been affirmed by the Court of Appeal.
It is perplexing that INEC chose to disregard this prior Court of Appeal judgment, upheld by the Supreme Court, on APGA leadership. INEC’s stance in recognizing Edozie Njoku is contrary to law and facts and is rejected by APGA Next Generation.
We stand firmly with Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, the legitimate National Chairman of APGA, constitutionally elected in a national convention witnessed and monitored by INEC.
Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa has demonstrated competence, capacity, and the necessary knowledge and determination to lead the party. He has shown vision by making APGA the first political party in Nigeria to digitize its membership register, a groundbreaking achievement.
We support him because he is the first national chairman to develop a blueprint for the next generation, launching the APGA Next Generation. This initiative marks the first time a political party in Nigeria has committed to a careful development and incorporation of young people into the political framework of the country.
We urge those attempting to illegitimately claim the party’s leadership to cease their efforts. APGA and its structures do not recognize any leadership other than that of Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa.
We are confident in achieving greater successes under his leadership, and the young people are committed to supporting him fully.
APGA remains united under the leadership of Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa.
Signed
Gozie Ofonze
National Convener,
APGA Next Generation
Adaobi Onyele
National Secretary,
APGA Next Generation
Chinonso Onyeanusi
National Publicity Secretary,
APGA Next Generation
