Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-16 04:11:08
Edozie Njoku, the factional chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), recently sat down with journalists in Lagos to discuss the perennial crisis that has plagued the party for over 15 years. In anticipation of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, Njoku emphasized the need for Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adhere to the Supreme Court judgment for genuine reconciliation.
Njoku was particularly critical of INEC’s role in perpetuating the leadership crisis within APGA. Despite court judgments affirming his position as the national chairman of the party, Njoku expressed frustration with INEC’s failure to recognize him, suggesting that the electoral body was creating unnecessary turmoil in the party. He cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in his favor and noted that committal charges had been brought against INEC for its lack of compliance. Njoku urged Nigerians to hold INEC accountable for its actions and to question the motives behind its support of the opposing faction within APGA.
When asked about the origins of APGA’s leadership crisis, Njoku attributed the party’s internal strife to the influence of individuals who were not aligned with its values. He stated that APGA, a party that once had a strong national presence, had suffered as a result of the wrong people assuming leadership positions. Njoku criticized the party’s current leadership for alienating members and contributing to its decline as a prominent political force.
Njoku also addressed the issue of reconciliation within APGA, expressing a willingness to pursue genuine reconciliation. However, he maintained that his victory in the Federal High Court had solidified his position as the national chairman of the party, making reconciliation contingent on official recognition. Despite his open stance on reconciliation, Njoku clarified that his primary objective was to uphold the rule of law by ensuring that court judgments were respected.
In response to questions about his relationship with Governor Charles Soludo, Njoku revealed that he did not have any relationship with the governor. He recounted an attempt to reconcile with Soludo, which was ultimately rejected by the governor. Njoku highlighted the need to separate party administration from governance, emphasizing the importance of upholding party autonomy while respecting the roles of elected officials.
Regarding the future of his leadership within APGA, Njoku conveyed a sense of determination, maintaining that his focus was on upholding the rule of law and ensuring that court judgments were obeyed. He encouraged all individuals, including those in positions of authority, to adhere to court orders and to respect the principles of justice.
Finally, Njoku reflected on the state of the nation, expressing concern for the challenges faced by both APGA and Nigeria as a whole. He noted the impact of economic policies on ordinary citizens and emphasized the need for collective introspection and accountability.
In conclusion, Edozie Njoku’s comments shed light on the internal dynamics of APGA and the broader challenges facing Nigerian politics. As the party prepares for the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, Njoku’s call for adherence to the rule of law and commitment to genuine reconciliation serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical leadership and institutional integrity.
Read Original article on The Guardian
