Anambra guber: APGA still leading, can’t be excluded in election – Imo chairman

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Imo state chapter, has said the party is still leading among the political parties contesting the November 6 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, even as it dismissed the allegations that the party has been removed from the list of contestants.
In a statement issued yesterday by the chairman of APGA in Imo State, Hon John Iwuala, he said the selection/nomination of ad hoc delegates is not the same as specified in the electoral Act. (Section 85).
According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was given 21 days notice for the Anambra State Governorship Congress of 2021 for the purpose of electing a candidate by APGA.
“We have replied them and clarified that at their legal department which became a big shock on interpretation. That is the position of the law and it stands so.”
While explaining further, Iwuala asked how many times have INEC been involved in internal party processes of nominating ad hoc delegates, saying even some political parties draw up their list from their bedroom and forward to the commission.
“It is the prerogative of the party to choose their delegates and to decide which delegate list that is approved and then forward to the commission. The electoral Act never permitted INEC to participate in the selection/nomination of party ad-hoc delegates for a primary election.
“It only permits the Commission to monitor and supervise the conduct of primaries. We all know it. On this note therefore, I advise all members of Imo APGA family to disregard and discard whatever that the enemies of APGA have been trending on the social media as the National leadership of the party have already taken care of the situation.
“We are only to pray for a smooth conduct of APGA primaries on Wednesday, 23rd June, 2021. That day APGA will hand over the flag to the elected and chosen candidate of the party who will in turn by the Grace of God become the next Governor of Anambra State.
“I really appreciate all your concern as whatever happens to APGA in Anambra State may have effect on the vibrancy of the party here in Imo state. No need to panic, our leaders have already taken care of the situation”, the Imo chairman said.
Dismissing reports that the party has been excluded from the governorship election, APGA said its national leadership has already put the records straight with INEC as to the misinterpretation of section 85 of the electoral Act.
It observed with regret that the enemies of the party have harped on the said letter to send panicking signals to the unsuspecting public, most especially APGA supporters and faithfuls in Imo state.