By Wole Adedoyin
The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has initiated legal proceedings against the Independent National Electoral Commission, accusing the electoral body of partisanship and unlawful interference in the party’s internal matters.
In a recent news briefing held in Abuja, Barrister Sylvester Ezeokenwa, the National Chairman of APGA, announced that the party had filed a lawsuit in the Abuja High Court. The lawsuit challenges INEC’s alleged failure to provide evidence proving that Chief Edozie Njoku ever held a national office within APGA.
The case, identified by the number FHC/ABJ/CS/966/2024, was lodged on July 18, 2024, before Justice J.K. Omotosho. APGA is seeking a court order compelling INEC to produce the required evidence and to prevent what the party perceives as INEC’s biased actions from undermining its leadership.
Ezeokenwa expressed his dismay over INEC’s recent assertions. “We are at a loss regarding the recent false representation by INEC that Chief Edozie Njoku and his group are National Executives of APGA ‘by order of Court.’ We challenge the Commission to produce any Court Order wherein the Court has made any positive pronouncement recognizing Chief Edozie Njoku and his group as National officers of APGA,” he stated emphatically.
He further asserted, “We firmly assert that no such court order exists. The current representation by INEC concerning Chief Edozie Njoku and his group is false, illegal, baseless, and without any justification.”
Ezeokenwa lamented that INEC, as an institution established by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), is mandated to operate strictly within the confines of the law. He warned that INEC’s actions could have severe implications for democracy in Nigeria. “It portends grave danger for our democracy for INEC to arrogate to itself the unfettered power to determine who the National Officers of a political party are without recourse to due process,” he cautioned.
Highlighting the legitimacy of APGA’s leadership, Ezeokenwa noted that various court judgments and rulings have confirmed his position as the party’s National Chairman. “It is abundantly clear from the plethora of court judgments and rulings that the legitimate leadership of APGA is firm under Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa,” he declared.
APGA, as a law-abiding political party, has communicated its stance to INEC through its team of lawyers. Ezeokenwa expressed confidence that INEC would act swiftly to rectify any misinformation and uphold the integrity of the party’s leadership as determined by the courts.
“In light of these clear judicial determinations, we urge INEC to correct this misinformation promptly. The sanctity of accurate information is critical to maintaining the trust and confidence of the public in our electoral process,” Ezeokenwa emphasized.
Recalling past events, Ezeokenwa pointed out that INEC had duly monitored the legitimate APGA National Convention held on May 31, 2023, at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Awka, Anambra State. INEC’s participation and subsequent report further validated the legitimate leadership of the party.
“We expect INEC to act responsibly and rectify the publication to reflect the legitimate leadership of APGA under Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa,” he stated.
Ezeokenwa reiterated APGA’s commitment to unity under its legitimate leadership, emphasizing that the party would continue to pursue the best interests of its members and the nation at large. He urged INEC to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Constitution and the laws governing its operations, avoiding unnecessary interference in the internal affairs of political parties.
