“APGA May Not Field Presidential Candidate in 2027” – Chairman

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has signaled that it may not present a presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections, raising the prospect of an alliance with what it described as “progressives who share its ideology.”

APGA National Chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday during a press briefing. He explained that the final decision would rest with the party’s National Executive Committee, but stressed that fielding a candidate was not compulsory. According to him, the party’s priority remains advancing progressive governance, even if it means supporting another platform.

“APGA is the foremost progressive party in Nigeria. When the time comes, our NEC will decide whether to present a candidate for president in 2027 or to align with other progressive forces who share our ideals,” he said.

Ezeokenwa defended the party’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that APGA had a long-standing tradition of building alliances with ruling parties at the center. He pointed out that the party backed former President Goodluck Jonathan in both 2011 and 2015 despite having the option of fielding its own candidates. “We don’t owe any apology for supporting Mr. President’s economic reforms. Our goal has always been to ensure policies that leave no one behind,” he added.

The chairman also reaffirmed APGA’s strength in Anambra State, where it has held power for nearly two decades, expressing confidence that Governor Charles Soludo would be re-elected in 2026.

On the recent by-elections in Anambra, Ezeokenwa commended the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for what he described as “one of the most transparent and credible elections in recent history.” However, he accused candidates of the All Progressives Congress of engaging in serious electoral misconduct.

He alleged that APC governorship candidate Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and senatorial candidate Hon. Azuka Okosa sponsored violence, abducted electoral officials, and attempted to manipulate results in some polling units. “What we had on that day were just very isolated incidents in Orifite Ward 3, Osumeni Ward, and three wards in Ezinifite. Statistically, 98 percent of the polling units in the election were very credible,” he said.

Ezeokenwa detailed incidents including the abduction of INEC officials and diversion of election materials to private homes. “Hostage-taking, bribery, death threats, and assaults are not minor infractions. They are direct attacks on the very foundation of our democracy, and they must attract the full weight of the law,” he declared.

Looking ahead to the November 8 Anambra governorship election, the APGA leader said the by-election outcome reaffirmed the trust of the people in the party. “Ndi Anambra has rejected Hon. Ukachukwu’s politics of blood, fear and inducement. Once again, they have chosen APGA, their party, their heritage and their future,” he said, while urging INEC and security agencies to investigate and prosecute all electoral offenses recorded during the polls.