The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), on Tuesday has announced the sacking of a factional Chairman of the party, Victor Oye.
The NEC also announced the appointment of Chief Jude Okeke, as the new acting National Chairman of the party.
The National Publicity Secretary, APGA, Ikechukwu Chinyere, made this announcement while briefing journalists after the party’s 114th NEC meeting in Abuja.
Although, the party did not announce the reason for the suspension, The New Diplomat’s checks revealed that the action might not be unconnected with the upcoming 2021 Anambra Governorship election. The state is APGA’s stronghold as the party won two consecutive gubernatorial elections in the state — in 2014 and 2017 respectively won by incumbent Governor Willie Obiano.
Speaking further, Chinyere also announced the indefinite suspension of six others party chiefs.
The names of other sacked party chieftains include; Chinedu Obidigwe; Hamman Ghide; Sylvester Ezeokenwa; Adamu Musa; Chief Okogbuo, and Ifeanyi Mbaeri.
According to Chinyere, the party chieftains were suspended indefinitely from the party for alleged anti-party activities, gross misconduct and conduct capable of bringing the party’s image to disrepute among others.
The National Publicity Secretary also announced the decision of the NEC to nullify the disqualification of five aspirants for the Governorship Election in Anambra State.
He described the disqualification of the aspirants by the Victor Oye-led faction, as unacceptable and unconstitutional.
The disqualified aspirants include Sullivan Nwankpo, Okafor Smart, Chukwuma Umeoji, Ozoka Ifeanyi, and Nnamdi Dike.
The new acting National Chairman, Jude Okeke, has been subsequently sworn into office.
Speaking after taking the oath, Okeke announced the extension of the sale of the party’s nomination form for the Anambra State Governorship to 25th of June, 2021.
He also announced that the Anambra Gubernatorial primary election has been scheduled for July 1, 2021.
It would be recalled that Oye had been suspended in October 2016, by some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
According to the NWC, Oye was suspended from the party for alleged gross misconduct.
However, after series of legal tussle and conundrums, the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, Enugu and the Supreme Court affirmed Oye as the National Chairman of the party.
