The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which prides itself as the foremost progressive political party in Nigeria, was involved in controversy and unending legal crisis across court rooms in Nigeria prior to the election of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and subsequent election of Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa as National Chairman at the party’s National Convention on May 31, 2023.
There was said to be over fifty court cases most of which were seeking determination of the authentic National Chairman of the party at the time, with the most baffling ruling coming out of a Court in Birnin-Kudu, Jigawa State.
The new national executive led by Barrister Ezeokenwa, bouyed by the mandate of the party and the National Leader, set forth at inception to change the perception of a fractured party to that of a positive pan-Nigerian profile befitting it’s motto: Be Your Brothers and Sisters Keeper! As the national executive of APGA marks one year on the saddle, it goes without saying that the ship of the party has been steadied through share diplomacy and accommodation of all as well as effective management of the party affairs inspite of obvious challenges.
In view of the progress made by APGA within the period, some people may wonder where the current APGA National Chairman got the dexterity for political party administration. Sly is the son of the pioneer APGA Local Government Chairman, Onitsha South, Chief Sylvester Ezeokenwa Senior known by many for exemplary conduct, dedication and selfless leadership of the party. As the saying goes, “the apple never falls far from the tree.” Having learnt at the feet of his father, Sly’s leadership skills
are evident in his patience, dedication and unwavering commitment to duty.
A towering and unassuming young man, sharpened by mentorship and invaluable experience, his intellingence belies his age. Ezeokenwa’s philosophy of service and value, is a life shaped by a near death experience long ago. Hence, he has continued to live by these principles in and out of politics.
Ezeokenwa started out as the APGA State Legal Adviser, and carried with him the knowledge of the party’s history he learned from his father to the legal office where he acted as the clearing house for all the court cases. He also doubled as an aide to the immediate past National Charman of APGA, Chief Victor Oye .
As a forward looking political party, Ezeokenwa and his team embarked on “DRIVE APGA” campaign which is an acronym for Discipline! Repositioning! Inclusivity, Visibility and Expansion! They set out by quietly consulting and re-intrgrating stakeholders across Nigeria to the fold. Again, recognizing the import of the increasing and active youth population and its impact on the Nigerian political lanscape, they’re set to commence digital registration to drive membership, and the mainstreaming of young persons to have a sense of belonging and provide leadership. To achieve this , the party initiated the concept of reducing the cost of nomination to office by fifty percent to encourage youth aspirants.
Ezeokenwa believes that APGA has shown exemplery leadership and profound developmental credentials since the party took the reign of leadership in Anambra State in 2006; stressing that Soludo’s record of achievents in two years is a testimonial to the party’s ideology of leaving no Nigerian behind through people-oriented development programmes across health, education, agriculture, human capital, infrastructure development and workers welfare. As the thirty-one member national executive of APGA led by Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa marks one year in office, it is safe to assume that the newly repositioned APGA is on a sustainable path to achieving a leadership of Nigeria’s dream.
A P.G.A! APGA!!!
Written by Emeka Ozumba
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