From Okwe Obi, Abuja
National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Edozie Njoku, has vowed to stop all fraudulent activities in the party.
Njoku, who did not mention the names of the perpetrators, claimed that fraudulent bank accounts were set up by unidentified persons since the leadership crisis begun.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, he said: “We have seen fraudulent bank accounts set up around Nigeria by these people who believe that they are running the party for all these years.
“We have said that the fraud in APGA has stopped and can never continue again.”
He apologised to some chieftains of the Party in Ebonyi, Imo and other states over the poor performance in the local government elections, with the promise that such abysmal outings would not be repeated.
He said: “We wish to apologize to all our party members in Ebonyi State and other States where the LG elections have been conducted, and which participation by APGA was not up to scratch due to the nonchalant attitude of previously recognized Executives of APGA.
“We want to tell you that it will never happen again. We will ensure that APGA is enshrined in all the 36 States and Abuja in the shortest period of time no matter the sacrifice we have to make which is hard work and commitment.”
In addition, he described as “uncanny”, moves by the Anambra State House of Assembly to “have embarked on the amendment of the law establishing ANSIEC for the sole purpose of denying APGA the right of fielding legitimate candidates in the forthcoming LGA elections in Anambra State.”
He commended the judiciary for its commitment towards deepening the process of internal democracy in Political Parties through upholding truth and to restore confidence in those who run to the court seeking for justice.
Speaking on the Local Government autonomy, he said: “it is another good example of judgments made by the Supreme Court which will go a long way to ignite sustainable development in the rural Areas.
“We also thank the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the courage they have shown in doing the right thing by finally recognizing us, the true Executives of APGA.
“Similarly, INEC has been undaunted, especially in the Counter Affidavit which they filed in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/966/2024 dated July 12, 2024.
“This INEC counter affidavit has buried the lies being raised by detractors over the Owerri Convention. It settled the speculation that Chief Edozie Njoku’s name was never mentioned in the judgment of the Supreme Court.
“It also laid to rest the issue of tenure of office of the new National Executives of APGA.”