The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) finds itself embroiled in yet another leadership crisis, sparking significant legal and political controversy. Chief Chekwas Okorie, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of APGA, has issued a strong warning to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, urging him to resist alleged intimidation and coercion from Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Omotosho recently ruled against INEC’s recognition of Chief Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of APGA, instead naming Mr. Sly Ezeonwuka as the rightful chair. This decision came despite previous judgments, including a Supreme Court ruling affirming Edozie Njoku’s leadership.
Background of the APGA Leadership Crisis
The APGA leadership battle has lingered in various courts for years. On March 24, 2023, a Supreme Court panel delivered a unanimous judgment affirming Chief Edozie Njoku as the legitimate National Chairman of the party. The court declared the purported removal of Njoku by a Jigawa State High Court as unjustifiable.
Despite this definitive judgment, INEC initially failed to implement the Supreme Court’s decision, prompting further legal action. On June 6, 2023, the FCT High Court reinforced the Supreme Court’s ruling, affirming Njoku’s leadership and finding INEC and other parties guilty of contempt of court for their non-compliance.
The Latest Controversy
Justice Omotosho’s ruling on November 20, 2024, accused INEC of meddling in APGA’s internal affairs. He directed INEC to revoke Njoku’s recognition and install Sly Ezeonwuka, who is closely associated with Governor Chukwuma Soludo, as the party’s leader. Okorie has condemned this ruling, labeling it a “rebellious and preemptive judgment” aimed at undermining the Supreme Court’s authority.
BoT Chair’s Call to INEC
Chief Okorie strongly advised Prof. Yakubu to adhere strictly to the Supreme Court’s rulings and not to succumb to what he described as intimidation by Justice Omotosho. “APGA has taken a civilized step by petitioning the National Judicial Council (NJC) while awaiting the Supreme Court’s final judgment,” Okorie stated.
He also criticized Governor Soludo and his associates for allegedly attempting to manipulate the justice system to influence APGA’s leadership in their favor.
Awaiting Supreme Court’s Final Decision
The Supreme Court recently heard appeals from Victor Oye and Sly Ezeonwuka challenging the Court of Appeal’s ruling that upheld Njoku’s leadership. A final judgment is expected soon, which many hope will bring an end to the protracted crisis.
Conclusion
The APGA leadership saga highlights the complexities of Nigeria’s political and judicial systems. With the Supreme Court’s final ruling pending, stakeholders in the APGA crisis and observers alike await a resolution that will affirm the rule of law and stabilize the party.
For updates on this developing story, stay tuned.
