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  • Guber poll: APGA ready to reclaim Imo, says Soludo

    Guber poll: APGA ready to reclaim Imo, says Soludo

    As the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA intensifies efforts ahead of the Imo governorship election, the party’s national leader and governor of Anambra state, Charles Soludo has assured supporters that the party is certain to emerge victorious in the state in November.

    Soludo made the remark while receiving Tony Ejiogu, the APGA governorship candidate in Imo state, at the Anambra state government House in Awka.

    Soludo stated: “You’ll agree with me that Imo State has been a stronghold of APGA. Most of our founding fathers are also from the State. Imo is APGA, and APGA is Imo. We have been through trials and tribulations in the past, yet we remained strong as a party. It’s time to reclaim back Imo through our persistence and consistency.

    “APGA is the first Party to be registered with the word “progressives” in its name. Others see other parties as a political platform to win elections but in APGA, we believe in true federalism with a mandate, core value, framework, and structure to move the nation forward.”

    He expressed optimism in the victory of APGA in Imo State while noting that the herculean task of defeating an incumbent is achievable as evidenced by the massive support the party has enjoyed in the past in Imo where it won elections.

    According to him, APGA has shown and demonstrated its commitment to the development and progress of Imo State through a credible candidate, Tony Ejiogu, and urged the electorate to come out en masse and support the party.

    Soludo, who also received other governorship candidates of the party, including Idoko Kingsley Ilonah from Kogi and Hon. Subiri Waibodei from Bayelsa state reiterated that APGA remains the only party in Nigeria that has shown empathy, passion, and genuine interest in improving the life of the citizens.

    Read Also: Ohaneze to Soludo: You’ve made Igbos proud by honouring Achebe

    Also speaking, APGA’s national chairman, Sylvester Ezeokenwa, said the party was in high hopes to retrieve its mandate in Imo while noting that there have been remarkable differences in APGA in the State, as it fielded a transparent candidate who has become a model for future candidates, whose qualifications is not shielded in secrecy.

    He noted: “Remain steadfast to the tenets of the party, your coming onboard has brought high expectations. You’ll champion a new Imo. Looking at you, I see a glorious day in Imo. God will strengthen you”.

    On his part, Ejiogu thanked the party’s leadership for creating the enabling environment to ensure that those with proven track records can take part in governance, and promised not to betray the trust; while also soliciting the support of the party hierarchy to succeed in his quest to emerge victorious in Imo State.

  • APGA candidate visits Obube in Imo, promises good governance

    APGA candidate visits Obube in Imo, promises good governance

    The Imo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sir Tony Ejiogu has paid homage to Obube Ancient Kingdom, the historic community where the state’s creation was first decided in 1976 and Owerri declared the capital.

    Addressing party supporters at the venue, the APGA flag bearer decried the level of neglect and underdevelopment that the community has endured from previous and present administrations in the state.

    He assured the people that when elected, his administration would accord the community the recognition it deserves, considering its historical symbolism in the creation of the state.

    He said: “The discussion to create Imo started in this community (Ngwuoma), the late traditional ruler, Eze A.I Onukogu was the chairman of that committee, he played a vital role in the creation of the state. I thought it wise to come back to Ngwuoma and pay homage to one of the founding fathers of the State and well seek the land’s blessings in my determination to rebuild Imo state for developmental strides.”

    Ejiogu said that the present Imo is not what the founding fathers had hoped for, hence his desire to right the wrongs. While calling for a peaceful election exercise, he enjoined them not to relent in coming out en masse to cast their ballot in the November 11 governorship polls.

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    He added: “There’s a wind of change blowing across this nation. Our people are desirous to sign a new social contract, hence everybody should be bold enough to come out on November 11 to vote and secure their votes. I equally call on our security agencies to ensure the safety of all, we want to bring about good governance.”

    The APGA candidate also appealed to people, especially those who have not collected their permanent voters’ cards to do so.

    Ejiogu was welcomed to the community by a massive crowd and community leaders from the area, including Chief Samuel Akujiuobi and Chief Ernest Onukogu, who extolled him for paying homage to their late king and recognizing his role in the creation of the state.

    The community leaders decried how past and present governments of Imo state had neglected them and commended Tony Ejiogu for being the first political leader to acknowledge the community’s historic significance despite the years of neglect by successive governments.

    “Sir Tony Ejiogu is an exceptional leader, we are praying for him to succeed because he means well for our people, we need a progressive-minded leader, who would create an enabling environment for business to thrive and for the state to prosper,” Chief Samuel Akujiuobi said.

  • ‘APGA will be truly nationalistic under my watch’

    ‘APGA will be truly nationalistic under my watch’

    The National Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa, has reassured his commitment to the transformation of the party.

    He said he would make it a viable platform for producing ideal leaders for the country.

    Ezeokenwa, a lawyer, promised to change APGA’s negative narrative of a local party to a national party through increased visibility with collaboration with the media, which he described as a major critical stakeholder in his vision.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit of executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he said APGA would no longer concentrate on a state, but would take root across the country.

    He said: “From assumption, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve for APGA. As former national legal adviser, who worked closely with the past chairman, I observed certain lapses in the leadership, especially with the media. 

    Read Also: UPDATED: Tribunal strikes out APGA, Odoh’s case against Governor Nwifuru

    “The kind of publicity we had was that of negative publicity. APGA was always in the news for the wrong reasons, including legal leadership issues.”

    “I coined an acronym – Project DRIVE (Discipline, Rebrand/Reposition, Inclusive leadership, Visibility and Expansion programme as a vision for my leadership, with the media as number one partner.

    “The only way APGA can be visible is through the media. Some of the negative impression about APGA is that it’s not just a Southeast party, but Anambra-owned. 

    “Yet, APGA has been here for 21 years. So, it’s no longer a baby. There’s no reason the party will still be concentrated on a state. APGA is not just a party, but a movement of the masses.

    “Though it might not have lived up to that expectation over the years, I’m certain we’ll achieve that and much more under my leadership, as being truly an alliance of progressives in Nigeria.”

    Scoring Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s performance high, especially in the area of human capital development, agriculture and infrastructure, the APGA boss canvassed for media support for increased development.

    “Soludo was voted on account of the promise he made and in years to come, we’ll judge him solely on account of his performance and not on his opinion. 

    “The several visible indices show that this government is solidly on the right track of trajectory. We’ve been so used to bad leadership that we don’t appreciate excellent leadership. 

    “The government’s unprecedented investment in infrastructure, human capital development and conscious effort to empower the poor economically, especially in agriculture, including palm oil and coconut, is visible,” he added.

    NUJ Chairman Dr. Emeka Odogwu praised APGA chairman’s efforts towards changing the party’s narratives, urging him to ensure he took advantage of his position to make indelible impacts.

    He advised him to maintain cordial relationship with the media to record desired successes, assuring him of NUJ’s continued support.

  • UPDATED: Tribunal strikes out APGA, Odoh’s case against Governor Nwifuru

    UPDATED: Tribunal strikes out APGA, Odoh’s case against Governor Nwifuru

    The Ebonyi Election Petitions Tribunal has struck out the petition filed by the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and its governorship candidate, Bernard Odoh against the election of Governor Francis Nwifuru.

    The court held that all the pleas by the applicants were pre-election matters and thereby proceeded to strike them out.

    Nwifuru was declared winner of the March 18 governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    However, Odoh who was the second runner-up, rejected the outcome of the result and filed a petition at the tribunal.

    Odoh sought Nwifuru’s disqualification on the grounds of certificate forgery and ineligibility to stand for the election.

    He urged the tribunal to disqualify Nwifuru who was declared winner of the said election and also to nullify the said Certificate of Return issued to him.

    Odoh, a geophysics professor, argued that Nwifuru, at the time of the election was still a member of the PDP and as such was not eligible to be sponsored for the election by the APC.

    He averred that Nwifuru therefore was not qualified to contest the election to the office of the Governor of Ebony State as he belonged to two political parties, which he argued was unconstitutional.

    He further alleged that Nwifuru was not qualified to stand for the election as he allegedly submitted a fake certificate to INEC.

    Odoh therefore prayed the Tribunal to nullify the said election to the office of the Governor of Ebony State held on March 18, 2023.

    He also urged the Tribunal to order for a second election pursuant to sections 179(3) and (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended into the office of the Governor of Ebonyi State.

    Mr Odoh further urged the Tribunal to declare that the said fresh election should be held between the two candidates who scored the highest number of votes at the election held on the 18th of March 2023.

    The APGA candidate also prayed to the court for an Order nullifying and/or setting aside the Certificate of Return issued by the INEC to Mr. Nwifuru.

    But the Tribunal in its ruling said the petitioners failed to prove that the 2nd Respondent (Nwifuru) was at the time of the election not qualified to contest the Governorship Election.

    It noted that there is substantial material evidence before the Tribunal which shows that the governor duly resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The tribunal further held that the petitioners failed to approach the proper court to entertain the issue of membership of a political party.

    The tribunal noted that it has no power to entertain an issue that took place before the election.

    The tribunal also noted that the applicants have no locus to challenge the membership of a candidate of another political party

    It noted that apart from an aspirant who participated in the primaries of the 3rd Respondent (APC) no other person has the right to challenge the membership of the 2nd Respondent (Nwifuru).

    The tribunal further held that the claim of the petitioners that the 2nd Respondent’s (Nwifuru) APC Form is forgery holds no water as the same was not supported by any evidence from the petitioners.

    Read Also: PEPT’s ruling victory for Nigeria – Gov Nwifuru

    It avered that where a party forwarded the name of a candidate to INEC it means that such a candidate is a full-fledged member of such a political party.

    It further held that exhibit R5 which is the votes and proceedings of Ebonyi State House of Assembly clearly disclosed the date the governor defected from PDP to APC.

    The tribunal said: “It is not for the Tribunal to invoke section 109 of the 1999 constitution as amended against the 2nd Respondent, but that of the members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly”

    “It will be unjust to hold that the 2nd Respondent was not qualified to contest the Governorship election of Ebonyi State by the mere fact that he failed to vacate his seat in line with the order in Judgement delivered by Justice Ekwo.”

    The tribunal therefore held that the petitioners failed to prove all the grounds of their petition and accordingly struck out the matter.

  • Imo APGA candidate vows to rebuild economy

    Imo APGA candidate vows to rebuild economy

    Imo State All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate, Tony Ejiogu has said the people  deserve fresh ideas and initiatives that will reposition the state for economic prosperity and growth.

    Ejiogu explained in his five  -Point campaign agenda of reinvigorating Imo’s economy, by bringing agro revolution, empowering youths with the right skills, as well as guaranteeing the security of Imo people.

    “I am here to give Imo people the opportunity to sign a new social contract. I am here to provide solutions to our crumbling economy. I am here to provide peace and rebuild Imo State so that our people can be safe once again, across our communities,” he said.

    Read Also:Imo and the ugly face of insecurity

    He argued that if democratic accountability could be restored in the state, it will create an atmosphere where citizens will easily embrace dialogue and honest negotiations to address the issues of non state actors.

    Assessing his chances of emerging victorious in the election, Ejiogu said that he remains the only credible candidate that meets with the yearnings and aspiration of the people of Imo state and this places him ahead of any other candidate in the Imo governorship race.

    According to him, this is why he has maintained an approach that is focused only on the real issues that affect the people of the state, because he can relate with those pains and he understands that finding solutions is what matters most to his people.

  • Imo guber: APGA candidate vows to rebuild trust, reposition economy

    Imo guber: APGA candidate vows to rebuild trust, reposition economy

    Imo State All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate, Tony Ejiogu, has said the people of the state deserve fresh ideas and initiatives that would reposition the state for economic prosperity and growth.

    Ejiogu explained in his 5-Point campaign agenda of reinvigorating the Imo economy, bringing about agro revolution, empowering youths with the right skills, as well as guaranteeing the security of the people.

    He said: “I am here to give Imo people the opportunity to sign a new social contract. I am here to provide solutions to our crumbling economy. I am here to provide peace and rebuild Imo State so that our people can be safe once again, across our communities.”

    Read Also: Imo guber: More PDP defectors join APC, pledge support for Uzodinma

    He argued that if democratic accountability could be restored in the state, it will create an atmosphere where citizens will easily embrace dialogue and honest negotiations to address the issues of non state actors.

    Ejiogu said: “We have to start rebuilding the lost trust and confidence the people have in government. There is a lot of opportunity drain, these things can cause a lot of agitations. You can’t fight an idealogy with guns and bullets.”

    Assessing his chances of emerging victorious in the election, Ejiogu said that he remains the only credible candidate that meets with the yearnings and aspiration of the people of Imo state and this places him ahead of any other candidate in the Imo governorship race.

    He also appealed to Ndi Imo to accord him the opportunity to serve them and sign with them a new contract that will pave the way for economic emancipation and promised not to betray their trust when elected.

  • APGA, ADP, NRM presidential candidates, others lobby President for inclusion

    APGA, ADP, NRM presidential candidates, others lobby President for inclusion

    Presidential candidates of some opposition parties in this year’s general election have urged the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to persuade President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for inclusion in his government.

    The presidential candidates said this when they visited Ganduje at the party’s national secretariat yesterday in Abuja.

    They were those of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Action Democratic Party (ADP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), and Action Peoples Party (APP), among others.

    The presidential candidates, who spoke under the aegis of the Forum of Concerned Presidential Candidates, said the need for peace and development of the country informed their decision not to challenge the victory of President Tinubu at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).

    Spokespersons of the forum and presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Ambassador Felix Johnson Osakwe, assured the President and the ruling party that they were for peace, hence the need for them to be included in the current government of national unity.

    Osakwe stressed that not all the presidential candidates were against President Tinubu’s election victory.

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    He said: “We are here, sir, not only to see Mr. President but to be identified with you and to thank God for your appointment.

    “Also, we see you as a father who has been a commander-in-chief of a state and here you are today to be the pilot that will lead the presidential candidates, especially those who are ready and those who love this country and the interest of this country first before politics, before parties.

    “That you will be the right person to lead us to meet with Mr. President so he can hear our views in person and for him to know that it is not all the presidential candidates that are against him.

    “We chose not to go to court because this is Nigeria and we have no other country to go to.

    “So, we are here to thank you and to thank God and everyone seated here and to say that as presidential candidates, there is something we can offer this country. I believe a government of inclusion will be necessary at a time like this.”

    Expressed appreciation to the presidential candidates, Ganduje promised to convey their message to President Tinubu.

    He said: “I will convey your views and requests. I will ensure that you see Mr. President eye-to-eye. I thank you for being faithful to your respective parties.

    “What I am seeing is one political aspirant who became a presidential candidate by accident, who became a presidential candidate by hijacking another party because he was party-less.

    “He decided to hijack a political party. And since, he could not realise his aspiration, he decided to make that party a revenue platform rather than a political party. He has now decided to expel the founder. God forbids. He will not succeed.

    “I salute you presidential candidates for being good ambassadors of your political parties, not destroyers of your political parties, and for not turning your political parties into a source of revenue.

    “No doubt, we will include you in the three states that we are having elections come November this year. Thank you and God bless.”

    The presidential candidates on the visit included Charles Nnadi (Action Peoples Party); Felix Osakwe (National Rescue Movement), Prof. Peter Umeadi (All Progressives Grand Alliance), Dr. Odey Udo (Action Democratic Party’s vice presidential candidate) and Adewale Adeogun (leader of the team).

  • APGA hails Tinubu over subsidy removal, other policies

    APGA hails Tinubu over subsidy removal, other policies

    The national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa, has expressed appreciation for several policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu, saying that subsidy removal as a significant positive step for the country.

    The party listed three major problems hampering growth in the country as politics of religion, ethnicity, and constitutional review.

    Speaking at the APGA southeast zonal office in Awka, Anambra state, Ezeokenwa said that critics of the president are overlooking his focus and understanding of the nation’s issues.

    Ezeokenwa said: “Those criticizing the president were missing the point because according to him, “Tinubu is focused and knows where the shoe pinches.

    Read Also: Subsidy removal: Economic tragedy would have tripled without Tinubu – Alawuje

    “Again, his decision to come up with palliative to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal is another knockout in some of his policies within a few months of he assumed office.

    “I believe Mr President came prepared for this job and people should exercise patience and give him some time to settle well. His government will not be like the previous one.”

    He hinted that the former governor of the state, Peter Obi, might rejoin APGA, describing him as a student of the APGA Institute of good governance, while he’s still a student of the same institute.

    He said the fame Obi had today in Nigeria started as APGA Governor, adding that plans were on the way by the party to reconcile him and other leaders like Chief Chekwad Okorie among others.

    He credited Obi’s national recognition to his time as an APGA Governor, stating that the party is working on reconciling him and other leaders like Chief Chekwad Okorie.

    Read Also: Tribunal reserves judgment in PDP, APGA cases against Ebonyi governor

    He stated: “With these, we can have true federalism which is what the country needs to move forward. However, the country is one and that’s the only way for us to be the number one in the world”

    He said what he wanted to do in APGA was to rebrand it, adding that the party would not do it alone without embracing other political parties and ethnic groups.

    “It’s going to be an alliance to solve the Nigeria problems. We have to bring every ethnic group together for alignment and realignment.

    “Another problem we have in the country is not only leadership but also followership, the last one is even worse. We want Nigeria to be driven by the young people.”

    He said the arrangement was on in expanding the party beyond Anambra and southeast, but throughout the country, adding that with such an arrangement, the party would capture more states.

  • Tension in APGA over Soludo’s ambition

    There is tension in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, over an alleged plot to stop the 2021 governorship ambition of the former Central Bank of Nigeria CBN Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo. The situation is creating a fresh crisis in the party, as majority of the members have vowed to stage a protest against the plot on a yet to be announced date. There was strong indication Saturday in Awka that the party has concluded arrangements to sponsor Sir Damian Okolo from Nnewi as its preferred candidate ahead of Soludo.

    Besides, it was equally gathered that the Catholic Church hierarchy has endorsed Okolo to succeed Governor Willie Obiano in 2021 from Anambra South senatorial zone. However, speaking with The Nation on Saturday in Awka, the APGA state Chairman, Sir Norbert Obi, debunked the claim that APGA had endorsed anyone. Rather, he said what the party did was to zone the governorship position to the South senatorial zone based on equity and fairness.

    Read Also: APGA: Oye moves to save party in Anambra, Abia

    He further denied the claim that crisis was rocking the party, while waiving the threat from some party faithful to stage a protest against the state government and party over such. According to him, “people know how to fabricate issues. Those seeking for party’s ticket are respected individuals in the society and we are proud of them. But if anybody tells you that the party has decided on the position that is the greatest lie of the century.

    “APGA is focused on anything it does and we are not going to make any mistakes when the time comes. Governor Obiano has done well and has made members of APGA and the state proud. Therefore, any one coming to take over from him will have a serious challenge, “Obi said

  • Rescue APGA from Obiano, Oye, Obasi urges members

    Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Chief Jerry Obasi has urged members to rescue APGA from the hands of Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano and incumbent National Chairman, Victor Oye.

    Obasi alleged that Obiano and Oye want APGA dead to achieve the aims of their sponsors who he claimed don’t wish Ndigbo well.

    He alleged that the governor has hijacked the party and plots to impose Oye for a second term, even when majority of the party members want a new chairman.

    The party chieftain stressed that most members were tired of Oye as national chairman, and want a new chairman who will reform the party in line with the vision of its founders.

    According to him, Obiano has been frustrating efforts to reform APGA and sack “the inept Oye-led executive”. He lamented that this forced many members to stay away from party activities.

    Read also: Breaking: APGA sacks Obiano, Ojukwu’s wife

    He said: “Willie Obiano and Victor Oye are the problems of APGA. They want APGA dead to serve the interest of their masters who don’t wish Ndigbo well. As a result of Obiano and Oye’s inept leadership, APGA has been losing members in the Southeast which is its strongest support base. Founding fathers and elders of the party have been frustrated to become spectators.

    “They have hoarded forms for the ward, council, state congresses and national convention from party members who don’t support their illegal activities. I’m an aspirant to the national chairmanship position; I have visited the national secretariat; there are no forms. They are being hoarded by Oye and Obiano. They only want their loyalists to win to complete the burial of APGA.

    “Before the polls, APGA had the prospect of winning the governorship and legislative seats in Imo and Abia, but Obiano and Oye factionalised APGA by selling tickets to non-members. The gains APGA made in the 2015 elections were reversed by Obiano and Oye’s anti party activities.

    “It is unfortunate APGA has degenerated to the extent that attendance of NEC meeting is now by invitation. Statutory members of NEC and BOT, like Chief Victor Umeh and Dim Ojukwu’s widow, Bianca were not invited.

    “How can a national party of APGA’s status hold a NEC meeting without its statutory members, but strangers like Victor Oye and Willie Obiano preside? It is just one of the many plots to ensure that the unpopular Oye, who has derailed the party, is returned to another term to finally bury APGA. But we will not sit by and watch such happen. Oye and Obiano must go for APGA to survive.

    “APGA cannot survive another four years of inept leadership by the Oye and Obiano faction.”