THE political atmosphere in Anambra State has been greatly charged as the news of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recognition of Chief Edozie Njoku as authentic national chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) filtered in.
The news has triggered reactions from all quarters as Governor Soludo’s camp was threatening fire and brimstone while Edozie Njoku’s side was seen celebrating.
In what looked like a twist of fate, Anambra State Government through a group known as APGA Media Warriors accused Senator Ifeanyi Uba of sponsoring crisis in the party to gain relevance ahead of the 2025 governorship election in the State.
As of the time of this report, security agents were seen in strategic locations within the APGA national and State secretariats, Awka possibly to maintain law and order while some aggrieved members of APGA pledged allegiance to Edozie Njoku.
Reacting to the development, the embattled National Chairman of APGA loyal to Governor Soludo, Sly Ezeokenwa said he was not bothered by the development, adding that it was part of the games at every election period in the State.
“It had become a culture for unscrupulous politicians to attempt to cause distractions in Anambra state when elections were around the corner, especially in APGA, the party in power. They were fond of seeking backdoor recognition and settlement with their black market interpretations, but each time they attempted these tactless tactics, they failed.
“Previously, Maxi Okwu and others, including the non-existent Jude Okeke and his Birnin-kudu, were sponsored and failed. INEC was under pressure to recognize Edozie Njoku due to the court’s order. This is similar to Hon. Umeorji’s recognition as APGA’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2021 election, only to be removed days later.
“APGA is not just a political party. It is a sacred movement. So when interlopers like one Edozie Njoku attempt political schemes, we remain focused, knowing that it will only last a few days before INEC delist his name.
A former Commissioner under Governor Willie Obiano who pleaded anonymity said that the new twist in APGA leadership had been long expected.
He described the development as landmark, adding that Governor Chukwuma Soludo who jettisoned the ladder with which he climbed to position has been made to learn the hard way.
“It’s the culture of ingratitude that is causing Soludo this pain. He jettisoned all the grassroots politicians who worked for him and APGA and now, he is sweating profusely. The recognition of Edozie Njoku as national chairman of APGA is a welcome development and all of us who worked under Obiano and were abandoned by Soludo will pledge our allegiance to Njoku.
He said the group of the former appointees of Obiano will make their stand known in a few days time, saying: we are monitoring the situation as it unfolds, firstly the INEC recognition of Edozie Njoku and then the proper official takeover of the party structure by Chief Edozie Njoku.
However, the National Coordinator of APGA Media Warriors, Chinedu Obigwe accused some prominent men especially members of the National Assembly from the state of being behind the crisis in the party for political gains.
“APGA faithful are solidly standing with Governor Soludo as our party national leader and Sly Ezeokenwa as our one and only elected national Chairman. The impostor, Edozie Njoku cannot emerge from the blues to become our party’s National Chairman.
“As a mercenary doing the evil bidding of enemies of APGA, it’s another season for Edozie Njoku to cash out from his sponsors but they should be rest assured that unbearable shame and disgrace await them.”
