The Aftermath of Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa’s Affirmation as the Authentic APGA National Chairman – November 28th 2024 – Written by Nduka Anyanwu
The Supreme Court’s recent affirmation of Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa as the authentic National Chairman of the All-Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has sent shockwaves throughout the party and Nigerian politics. This development is a significant victory for APGA and its members, who have been embroiled in a leadership crisis for several years.
The crisis began when Edozie Njoku claimed to have won the National Chairmanship in a purported 2019 Owerri convention. However, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court have consistently ruled that Njoku was not the legitimate National Chairman of APGA.
Despite these rulings, Njoku continued to parade himself as the National Chairman, causing confusion and instability within the party. However, with the Supreme Court’s recent affirmation of Ezeokenwa’s chairmanship, Njoku’s claims have been finally put to rest.
The implications of this ruling are significant. Firstly, it brings an end to the leadership crisis that has plagued APGA for several years. Secondly, it reaffirms the legitimacy of Ezeokenwa’s chairmanship and provides a sense of stability and
direction for the party.
In addition, the ruling is a victory for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. It demonstrates that the courts are willing to uphold the law and protect the rights of citizens, even in the face of intense political pressure.
As APGA moves forward under Ezeokenwa’s leadership, the party is expected to focus on repositioning itself for national leadership. This will involve strengthening its structures, building its membership, and developing a compelling vision for Nigeria’s future.
In another vein, Sly Ezeokenwa, the APGA National Chairman, recently appeared on Channels Politics Today on November 27, 2024, to discuss his victory at the Supreme Court. During the interview, Ezeokenwa clarified the Supreme Court’s judgment on the APGA leadership tussle, emphasizing that the court’s correction of an accidental slip in its earlier judgment did not declare Edozie Njoku as the APGA National Chairman. He also addressed the controversy surrounding INEC’s
recognition of Edozie Njoku as the APGA National Chairman, stating that INEC’s decision was based on a misinterpretation of the Supreme Court’s judgment.
Furthermore, Ezeokenwa highlighted the fact that there are three subsisting judgments of the Court of Appeal on APGA leadership, all of which validate the APGA National Convention held in Awka, Anambra State in 2019, which elected Chief Victor Ike Oye as the APGA National Chairman. Overall, Ezeokenwa’s interview provided clarity on the APGA leadership tussle and the Supreme Court’s judgment, emphasizing the need for INEC to respect the rule of law and the judgments of the courts.
“So, there no longer speculation or doubt about the actual leadership of APGA. By the judgments, I, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa has been affirmed as the Chairman of APGA,” Ezeokenwa added.
In conclusion, the affirmation of Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa as the authentic National Chairman of APGA is a significant development that marks the beginning of a new era for the party. As APGA moves
forward, it is expected to play a major role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
