The APGA chairman stressed that suspending elected officials, including a sitting governor, was not in the party’s best interest, but warned that Soludo’s continued defiance left the NWC with little choice.
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has announced its intention to suspend Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, alongside other members accused of engaging in anti-party activities.
Addressing the media at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, APGA National Chairman, Chief Edozie Njoku, accused Governor Soludo of undermining efforts to restore peace within the party, claiming that Soludo’s actions were against the interests of APGA.
Njoku highlighted that the governor’s alleged conduct, coupled with other infractions, led to the party’s decision to consider his suspension.
Njoku revealed that the NWC would release a list of members, including Governor Soludo, to be suspended for their involvement in anti-party activities on Thursday, September 26, 2024. He further indicated that APGA has not endorsed any sole candidate for the upcoming Anambra off-cycle governorship election, casting doubt on Soludo’s prospects of securing the party’s nomination.
“Anyone aspiring to be governor must go through the party primaries, and we are committed to a transparent and fair process,” Njoku emphasized.
Njoku also expressed frustration over a series of legal battles surrounding his leadership, recalling a recent attempt at the Court of Appeal to prevent his recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite a Supreme Court ruling affirming his position as APGA’s legitimate National Chairman.
He accused Soludo of working behind the scenes to prevent the party from fielding candidates in upcoming elections, particularly pointing to actions that allegedly excluded the party from decision-making processes, including local government elections in Anambra scheduled for September 28.
Njoku criticized the governor for fostering divisions within the party, stating, “Soludo is acting like an emperor, but he must realize that no one is bigger than the party.”
The APGA chairman stressed that suspending elected officials, including a sitting governor, was not in the party’s best interest, but warned that Soludo’s continued defiance left the NWC with little choice. “They are pushing us to the limit. We cannot allow the governor to pretend that he is above the party. If he is encouraging others to commit anti-party activities, we must act,” Njoku added.
The NWC has reportedly agreed to suspend Soludo and other members involved in anti-party activities, as Njoku stated that 80% of the committee is in support of the decision. While acknowledging that suspending the party’s only governor is a significant step, Njoku affirmed that APGA must take decisive action to maintain party discipline.
“APGA is here to stay, and no individual, not even a sitting governor, is greater than the party,” Njoku concluded.
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