APGA dismisses alleged crisis, sabotage, presents certificates of return to candidates

Mazi Ejimofor Opara, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), stands at the forefront of the party's latest move, presenting certificates of return to its 44 flag bearers in the 2027 national and state legislative elections. As the party's leader, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, faces allegations of internal crisis and sabotage, Ejimofor remains resolute in defending the party's unwritten convention to support any ruling party at the centre. For Ejimofor, APGA's support for President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressive Congress (APC) is a matter of tradition, one that has been practiced since the 2011 presidential election when the party supported the Goodluck Jonathan administration of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

APGA's decision to support the APC in the forthcoming presidential election is not without its risks. With over 44 flag bearers contesting in the national and state legislative elections, the party's strategy hinges on the assumption that its members and supporters will remain loyal despite the open support of Governor Soludo for the APC's presidential candidate. According to Ejimofor, APGA's members are "politically wise and sophisticated," and will not be swayed by the governor's endorsement of Tinubu. However, this confidence may be misplaced, especially considering the growing popularity of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Ejimofor's dismissal of the NDC as a "mere Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)" may not resonate with all APGA members, who may see Obi's candidacy as a viable alternative to the APC.

APGA's support for the APC marks a significant shift in the party's strategy, one that reflects the growing trend of regional politics in Nigeria. The party's decision to support the APC, despite its differences with the party on some issues, highlights the importance of regional alliances in Nigerian politics. As the 2027 elections approach, it is clear that regional politics will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the elections. With the APC and the PDP vying for power, regional parties like APGA will need to navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries to emerge victorious.

APGA's support for the APC has far-reaching implications for Nigerian politics. As a major regional party, APGA's decision to back the APC will likely influence the voting patterns of its members and supporters. If successful, this strategy could pave the way for future regional alliances in Nigerian politics, potentially altering the country's electoral landscape. However, if APGA's gamble fails, it could have devastating consequences for the party, potentially weakening its position in the national and state legislative elections.

In the coming weeks and months, APGA's strategy will be put to the test. Will the party's support for the APC yield the desired results, or will it backfire, alienating APGA members and supporters? As the 2027 elections approach, one thing is certain: APGA's decision to support the APC will have a significant impact on the party's fortunes. If Ejimofor is correct, and APGA's members remain loyal, the party may emerge stronger than ever. However, if the party's gamble fails, it could spell disaster for APGA's chances in the elections.

In the end, APGA's decision to support the APC is a calculated risk, one that reflects the party's confidence in its members and supporters. As the 2027 elections approach, one thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for Nigerian politics.