“Suspend Soludo Immediately—His Actions Betray APGA,” BoT Chairman, Okorie Urges NWC

In an escalation of the ongoing crisis within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the party’s founder and pioneer National Chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie, has called for disciplinary action against Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. Okorie’s appeal to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) comes amid a bitter power struggle over the leadership of the party.

Governor Soludo, currently the only elected governor on APGA’s platform, has been at odds with Chief Edozie Njoku, who was declared the legitimate National Chairman of APGA by the Supreme Court. Despite this ruling, Soludo has refused to acknowledge Njoku’s leadership, instead backing a rival faction led by Sylvester Ezeokenwa.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Okorie, who also serves as the Chairman of APGA’s Board of Trustees (BoT), accused Soludo of engaging in a series of anti-party activities that have destabilized the party. He alleged that Soludo’s actions have been detrimental to the survival of APGA, the very party that provided him the platform to achieve his gubernatorial ambitions after two unsuccessful attempts.

Okorie criticized Soludo for ignoring repeated pleas from various influential groups, including senior clergymen, traditional rulers, and business elites, to cease his “destabilizing war” against the party. He described the governor’s conduct as reckless, comparing it to “a bull in a china shop.”

“APGA is the first Igbo contribution to Nigeria’s political party system since 1923,” Okorie remarked, emphasizing the historical significance of the party. He expressed concern that Soludo’s actions could undermine the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary, accusing the governor of attempting to manipulate the Court of Appeal.

Okorie also condemned Soludo’s support for Chief Victor Oye in what he termed a “misadventure” at the Court of Appeal, suggesting that Soludo’s influence might compromise the court’s ability to uphold the rule of law.

In a strong rebuke, Okorie warned that Soludo’s defiance could lead to severe consequences, urging the NWC to take immediate disciplinary action against those involved in anti-party activities, including the governor. He insisted that the supremacy of the party must be upheld to ensure its continued survival.

“APGA is a spirit and therefore indestructible,” Okorie declared, expressing confidence that the party would outlast its current challenges. He reaffirmed his belief in APGA’s rightful place in Nigeria’s political landscape as a party founded on genuine progressive ideology.