In a bold move aimed at shaping Nigeria’s political future, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has declared its readiness to form alliances with other progressive political groups across party lines.
The party’s National Chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa, made this announcement during a briefing in Abuja on December 10, 2024. Ezeokenwa emphasized that the APGA is now stronger than ever after overcoming internal leadership challenges, setting the stage for a more influential role in Nigeria’s politics.
“We are ready and willing to work with all other progressives to build Nigeria because we believe in our country,” Ezeokenwa said.
This statement came shortly after the resolution of a leadership dispute within the party, which saw the Supreme Court reaffirming Ezeokenwa’s position as chairman. APGA had been embroiled in a leadership crisis for months, but with the court ruling in favor of Ezeokenwa, the party is now focused on moving forward and regaining its prominence in the Nigerian political landscape.
Ezeokenwa highlighted that APGA is not only committed to internal unity but is also eager to collaborate with other like-minded political entities across Nigeria.
The APGA National Chairman’s remarks reflect the party’s desire to expand its influence beyond the South East, where it has traditionally had a strong base. Ezeokenwa emphasized that APGA now has elected representatives in various parts of the country, marking a significant step towards achieving national relevance.
“Our party proudly has elected representatives both within and outside the South East,” he said, stressing that the party is open to alliances with other progressive forces to work toward a better future for Nigeria.
This approach aligns with similar sentiments expressed by APGA’s National Leader, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State. Soludo has long championed the idea of building bridges with other progressive political forces to create a more unified Nigeria.
Ezeokenwa also reiterated that the party’s commitment to reconciliation remains strong. In an effort to heal wounds from the leadership crisis, he announced that the APGA has granted amnesty to party members who have shown genuine remorse for their actions during the conflict.
“We have granted amnesty to party members who are genuinely repentant, irrespective of which side they supported during the crisis,” he added.
In addition to discussing the party’s future, Ezeokenwa also took the opportunity to praise key figures in Nigeria’s political scene. He expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, a prominent member of APGA, to the federal cabinet.
“This appointment is a recognition of APGA’s contributions to national development,” Ezeokenwa said, acknowledging that Ojukwu’s role in the cabinet is an important symbol of the party’s growing influence.
Ezeokenwa also commended Governor Charles Soludo for his leadership both at the state level and within the party. He praised Soludo’s policies, particularly those focused on economic development and governance, which he described as “demonstrating to the world how effective leadership can bring value to society.”
Soludo’s leadership in Anambra State has garnered attention for its focus on infrastructure development, education, and economic growth. Ezeokenwa believes these policies are helping to position APGA as a serious player in Nigeria’s national politics.
As the party looks to the future, Ezeokenwa made it clear that APGA is focused on contributing to Nigeria’s progress. The party’s vision, according to him, is to foster collaboration among progressive forces, ensuring that the country’s development is driven by policies that prioritize the needs of citizens.
“We are ready to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress,” Ezeokenwa said, adding that APGA’s focus on reconciliation and unity will serve as the foundation for building stronger alliances with other progressive parties.
The APGA National Chairman concluded his statement by reaffirming the party’s commitment to national development and its determination to play a key role in shaping the country’s political future.
“We believe that by working together, we can create a Nigeria that all citizens can be proud of,” he said.
