Chekwas Okorie, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has levelled serious allegations against Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, accusing him of disseminating deceptive and erroneous propaganda aimed at discrediting the party’s National Chairman, Edozie Njoku. Okorie asserted that Soludo’s attempts to mislead the public would ultimately be fruitless.
In a statement, Okorie expressed concern that despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) adhering to the Supreme Court ruling from March 23, 2023, which recognized Njoku as the legitimate chairman of APGA, Soludo continues to stir discord within the party.
He noted, “Those spreading these false narratives have repeatedly claimed that APGA was not involved in the Supreme Court case and that Chief Edozie Njoku was not validated as the national chairman of the party.”
Okorie emphasized that the flawed judgment from October 14, 2021, has been nullified and is no longer valid in the Supreme Court’s records. He pointed out that the FCT High Court ruling on June 6, 2023, explicitly confirmed Chief Edozie Njoku’s position as the National Chairman of APGA.
He criticized Soludo for appointing Sly Ezeonwuka as his Special Assistant and attempting to install him as the national chairman through an illegitimate convention, a decision later overturned by a competent court and upheld by the Court of Appeal.
“This represents a stark example of executive overreach from a governor who pledged to uphold the Constitution of Nigeria and the rule of law,” Okorie stated.
He further noted that throughout approximately 20 of the 22 years since APGA’s inception, the party’s national activities have predominantly taken place in Awka, Anambra State, with over 60% of the National Working Committee hailing from the region.
Okorie criticized INEC for neglecting its duty to ensure adherence to federal character principles in political party leadership as outlined in the Electoral Act until Njoku’s rightful position was finally recognized.
He concluded by urging Nigerian citizens who cherish democracy to encourage Governor Soludo to allow APGA the freedom to operate without interference.
