The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has been embroiled in a leadership crisis that has spanned over a decade, casting a shadow over the party’s unity and effectiveness. However, there is a glimmer of hope for resolution if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) adheres to the Supreme Court’s judgment.
The Supreme Court clarified that the judgment delivered on October 14, 2021, was between Chief Jude Okeke and APGA with three other respondents, while Edozie Njoku was not a party in the proceedings. This clarification is crucial as it dispels misconceptions and sets the record straight regarding the rightful leadership of the party.
Edozie Njoku, a factional chairman of APGA, has expressed optimism that the party’s perennial crisis could be resolved if INEC respects the Supreme Court’s decision1. He argues that the commission’s failure to recognize the court’s ruling is the root cause of the ongoing disputes within the party.
The crisis within APGA has had significant implications for its performance in elections and its standing as a formidable political force in Nigeria. The party, once seen as a beacon of hope and a third force in the Nigerian political system, has struggled to maintain its influence due to the internal turmoil.
As the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State approaches, the need for genuine reconciliation within APGA becomes increasingly urgent. The resolution of the leadership crisis is not just about the party’s survival but also about restoring faith in the democratic process and the rule of law.
The ball is now in INEC’s court to act in accordance with the Supreme Court’s judgment. Doing so would not only pave the way for peace within APGA but also reinforce the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral body as an impartial arbiter committed to upholding justice and democracy.
The APGA crisis serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between legal adjudications and their practical enforcement. It underscores the importance of all stakeholders, including electoral bodies, respecting the judiciary’s role in resolving political disputes. As the nation watches, the hope for a united APGA rests on the shoulders of INEC’s compliance with the highest court’s ruling.
