The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has robustly countered rumors regarding alleged factions within its structure, asserting that such divisions do not exist among its members. This assertion was made by Comrade Eze Onyebuchi Eze-Chukwu, the national youth leader of the party, during an interview in Abakaliki. He emphasized that the notion of factionalism requires actual membership, clarifying that individuals labeled as factionists, including Edozie Njoku, have lost their affiliation with APGA due to their decision to pursue political ambitions in other parties. According to Eze-Chukwu, without membership, individuals cannot legitimately form factions within APGA.
Referencing historical context, Eze-Chukwu cited the case of Chief Chekwas Okorie, who was expelled from APGA in December 2004 for misconduct and, after exhausting legal avenues, was affirmed by the Supreme Court as no longer a member. This precedent strengthens the argument that only existing members can create factions, leaving former members or those aligned with external parties devoid of the authority to claim organizational legitimacy within APGA. Consequently, he insists that both Njoku and others seeking to disrupt the party’s unity lack the legitimacy that membership affords, thereby invalidating their faction claims.
Eze-Chukwu did not shy away from expressing his disdain for Njoku, labeling him a “total stranger” and a “party grabber,” comparable to a land grabber committing an unlawful act to seize what does not belong to him. This metaphor paints Njoku as a person who seeks to forcibly claim APGA leadership in a manner deemed criminal. The passionate rhetoric serves to reinforce the APGA leadership’s stance of unity and resistance against what they perceive as external threats to their political integrity.
Further elaborating on the internal dynamics of APGA, Eze-Chukwu suggested that the ongoing strife should not be viewed as factionalism but rather as a critical defense against an invasion likened to a virus composed of individuals like Njoku and his associates. He called for vigilance and unity among APGA members to effectively address what he described as an “infestation” within the party. The comparison of Njoku and his group to a virus emphasizes the urgency that the current leadership feels regarding internal challenges and the importance of maintaining a strong party structure.
The sentiment expressed by Eze-Chukwu is one of resilience and commitment to preserving APGA’s integrity amidst what he perceives as attempts to undermine its foundations. He believes that the party is not merely confronting a faction but is in a decisive battle for its survival against those who would disrupt its unity. His message underscores a sense of loyalty to APGA, encouraging members to rally together and dismiss any notions of dissent stemming from individuals outside their ranks.
In conclusion, the APGA leadership, represented by Eze-Chukwu, stands firm in dispelling rumors of factional existence, framing the internal conflict as a necessary struggle for the party’s identity and survival. Their argument hinges on the principle that true factions can only arise from legitimate members, an assertion they believe solidifies their stance against individuals like Edozie Njoku. The broader narrative revolves around a collective call to unity against perceived threats, reinforcing the party’s commitment to overcoming challenges while preserving its core values and leadership framework.
