Chief Edozie Njoku has announced his decision to accept the Supreme Court’s judgment that removed him as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, declared Sylvester Ezeokenwa as APGA’s legitimate national chairman, effectively ending a protracted leadership dispute that had plagued the party for years.
Earlier, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja had barred Njoku from presenting himself as APGA’s chairman, stating that no valid court order recognized his leadership.
The court also ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had erred in acknowledging Njoku’s faction.
Dissatisfied with the decision, Njoku had appealed to the Supreme Court, which dismissed his case, deeming it frivolous, and imposed a fine of ₦20 million for each of the three charges.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Njoku expressed his commitment to the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of respecting the Supreme Court’s decision.
“Everyone who knows me knows I believe in the rule of law and hierarchy. In any establishment, there must be a hierarchy. The hierarchy of the judiciary in Nigeria is the Supreme Court.
“We in Nigeria must learn that when the Supreme Court speaks, no matter how or what you think, you must obey it.
“We must be a country of law and order. Things cannot just be turned to suit you because you are uncomfortable. Things cannot just turn to suit Chief Edozie Njoku or Chief Henry Okechukwu or the secretary. We must follow the system,’’ he said.
Despite the setback, Njoku reaffirmed his dedication to democracy and unity, pledging to ensure peace within the party and the country.
He expressed confidence in the grassroots’ power to choose their leaders and predicted that Anambra voters would make their voices heard in the next election.
Njoku commended the Supreme Court for maintaining judicial integrity and praised the people of Anambra for accepting the judgment peacefully.
“We will do everything within our powers to make sure that there is peace in this country called Nigeria.
“But one thing I promise you is that you can never muffle the voice of the people. The people of Anambra State, in the next election, will speak, and it will be so resounding.
“All said and done, the Supreme Court has spoken and I truly believe in the Chief Justice of Nigeria who had made it clear in so many fora that she must bring sanity to the judiciary.
“I will not and I cannot be a clog in the hog. I cannot and I will not add to the pressure of those who are putting in relentless efforts to make sure that the judiciary can survive a very telling time,’’ he said.
He also acknowledged INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, despite his faction’s past criticisms of the commission.
Concluding, Njoku expressed hope that the end of the legal battle would allow APGA to focus on its internal democracy and future progress.