The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), on Wednesday, raised an alarm over the recent amendment to the election law by the Anambra State House

Secretary, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Enugu State, Dickson Ani (sixth left) with members of Enugu APGA during a support rally in honour of the party’s National Chairman, Chief Victor Oye, in Enugu… yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), on Wednesday, raised an alarm over the recent amendment to the election law by the Anambra State House of Assembly, alleging a deliberate attempt to undermine democracy and stifle political competition.

They vowed to challenge these actions and ensure APGA’s rights are upheld. The National Chairman of APGA, Edozie Njoku, disclosed this in Abuja during a press briefing, praised the judiciary for upholding the truth, promoting equity, and restoring confidence in those seeking justice through the courts.

The party also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian judiciary for its dedication to enhancing internal democracy within political parties. He stressed the importance of peace and reconciliation in moving forward and pledged to work tirelessly to reposition and revitalise APGA across all 774 LGAs, ensuring a renewed commitment to the party’s growth and success.

Njoku said: “We thank the NWC and the Peace and Reconciliation Committee who, within one month of our recognition by INEC, have toured 22 states so far, mobilising aggrieved party members to return to the fold and asking them to rise to the occasion and align with the leadership principles of the rebirthed APGA.“We want to thank all APGA members in Anambra who are facing difficult times at the hands of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC).

We commend them for the way they have conducted themselves when they were locked out by ANSIEC at the stakeholders’ meeting organised on August 15, 2024.“We are proud of you. We urge you never to relent.

The NWC will do everything within the ambit of the law to ensure that your rights aren’t trampled upon.“It is uncanny for the Anambra State House of Assembly to have embarked on the amendment of the law establishing ANSIEC for the sole purpose of denying APGA the right to field legitimate candidates in the forthcoming LGA elections in Anambra State.“

We wish to apologise to all our party members in Ebonyi State and other states where the LG elections have been conducted, and whose participation by APGA was not up to scratch due to the nonchalant attitude of previously recognized Executives of APGA.

We want to tell you that it will never happen again. We will ensure that APGA is enshrined in all the 36 states and Abuja in the shortest period of time, no matter the sacrifice we have to make, which is hard work and commitment.

“We also want to commend APGA members in all the states where the State Independent Electoral Commissions are yet to accord them their due recognition. Lose no sleep about this. Be assured that we are solidly behind you. We shall explore all avenues within the ambit of the law to ensure the right thing is done.”

Njoku urged patience from candidates who have won elections since 2019 but are facing delays due to ongoing legal disputes, noting that peace and reconciliation are crucial as the party moves forward.