“We may suspend governor Soludo for ant-party activities” — APGA

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Working Committee (NWC) is getting ready to suspend Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, and others for engaging in anti-party activities.

The party’s National Chairman, Chief Edozie Njoku, announced this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He claimed that the governor hindered the effort of the Supreme Court-recognized NWC to restore peace in the party and persisted with his anti-party conduct.

Edozie stated that by Thursday, September 26, 2024, the NWC would release the names of party members who would be suspended for engaging in these anti-party activities, including Governor Soludo.

He emphasized that the party had no sole candidate for the upcoming off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State and questioned Soludo’s ability to even win in the party’s primaries. According to Edozie, anyone wishing to become governor must follow the party’s process, which he described as straightforward.

Reflecting on recent legal battles, Edozie mentioned that a stay order was requested at the Court of Appeal to prevent him from being recognized by INEC, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in his favor. He pointed out how the opposing side had filed cases in Awka and at the Federal High Court, attempting to obtain an injunction without informing the party or following proper legal processes. Edozie praised INEC for recognizing the truth and dismissing the false claims.

Edozie also highlighted issues with the upcoming local government elections in Anambra, set for the 28th, noting that Governor Soludo had influenced the House of Assembly to pass laws preventing the party from fielding its candidates. He accused Soludo of acting like an emperor, rather than respecting the political system and the party’s authority.

According to Edozie, Soludo and his supporters have conducted activities behind the party’s back, assembling individuals engaged in anti-party activities. Despite his efforts to promote peace within the party, the NWC has been forced to consider suspensions. He stated, “They are pushing us to the limit, and they believe the governor is bigger than the party. But no one is bigger than the party.”

He reminded everyone that the party must take action, quoting the chairman of the Board of Trustees, who said, “We must take action so we don’t look like toothless Bulldogs.”

Edozie reiterated that APGA is a strong political party and will continue to exist. He confirmed that the NWC has agreed on 80% of those who will be suspended, including Governor Soludo.

Edozie questioned whether suspending the only APGA governor was the right step but insisted that if Soludo continued his actions, the party would have no choice. He concluded by stating, “We must stop this behavior. I don’t know what Soludo is playing at, but he must respect the party’s rules.”