Politics
“You Can’t Impose Yourself on APGA,” Njoku Warns Soludo, Cautions on Election Fallout
As a result of the rift within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the party’s National Chairman, Edozie Njoku, has publicly cautioned Governor Charles Soludo against attempting to impose his will on the party. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on August 28, 2024, Njoku emphasized that no individual, including the governor, is above the party.
Njoku expressed concerns that the ongoing discord could have serious implications for APGA’s performance in the upcoming 2025 Anambra State governorship election. He noted that while he has made several efforts to reconcile with Governor Soludo, the governor must understand that the party’s interests take precedence over personal ambitions.
“I have stooped a lot, I have gone to him (Gov Soludo), I have had meetings with him. The important thing is doing the right thing at all times and not thinking you can impose yourself on the party,” Njoku stated.
Contrary to circulating rumors, Njoku denied any intention to undermine Soludo’s bid for a second term. Instead, he described their differences as stemming from his independence of thought, which he believes the governor finds challenging.
“I am too big for what you are saying. Why should I have anything against Soludo? The only thing Soludo doesn’t like is that I am a man who has my own mind,” Njoku said.
The tension between the two figures comes at a critical time for APGA, which is currently embroiled in a leadership dispute. Both Sylvester Ezeokenwa and Njoku are laying claim to the chairmanship. Ezeokenwa was elected during a convention in May 2023, but in July 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognized Njoku as the legitimate chairman based on a court ruling.