Edozie Njoku’s audacious attempts to seize control of APGA’s leadership have been likened to a game of power and a stroke of grace. His bold moves, however, have ultimately failed to topple the party’s legitimate leadership. His tactics have been marked by desperation and a disregard for the party’s constitution and procedures. Despite multiple court judgments validating Dr. Victor Ike Oye’s leadership, Njoku has continued to challenge the party’s authority. Will APGA emerge stronger from this turmoil under Bar Sly Ezeokenwa’s leadership? Only time will tell.
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Anselm Onuorah
A public Affiar Analysts
In the history of human existence, the quest for power and control is a fundamental aspect of human nature, driving individuals to seek recognition, validation, and dominance over others. Francis Fukuyama’s “The End of History and the Last Man” and Thomas Hobbes’ “Leviathan” offer insightful perspectives on the phenomenon of human quest for power, especially through misbegotten means. Fukuyama identified the struggle for recognition as a primary motivator for political power struggles. This fundamental human impulse is rooted in the desire for validation, prestige, and self-esteem which propels individuals to seek power and status, often through means that are detrimental to themselves, others and law.
Fukuyama also highlighted the psychological underpinnings of political power play, where individuals become consumed by their ego and desire for validation to the extent that they do not see their end of history and waterloo. This narcissistic drive distorts self-importance, prioritizing personal interests above the greater good; a relentless pursuit for recognition that fuels competition, undermining social cohesion and stability.
Hobbes in his description of the state of nature observed that the pursuit of this egocentric desire and unbridled concentration of power is a primal aspect of human nature that precipitates chaos; – Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes, a “war of all against all,” tearing apart the social contract. Thus, the need for a LEVIATHAN – a central authority to impose order upon humanity’s anarchic tendencies. This authority ensures stability and prevents catastrophic descent into chaos.
Both Fukuyama and Hobbes’ arguments intersect at the core of human nature – the quest for power and recognition. Fukuyama’s struggle for recognition and Hobbes’ primal drive for dominance converge to highlight the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. In essence, Fukuyama and Hobbes caution against the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of balancing individual desires with the greater good. Hobbes’ bleak assessment underscores the imperative for a central authority, a Leviathan, to impose order upon humanity’s anarchic tendencies. The Leviathan represents a stabilizing force, mitigating the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition and ego. However, the Leviathan’s effectiveness hinges on its ability to balance individual freedoms with collective interests.
In this exposé, we delve into the unchecked ambition, unlawful manoeuvre and shocking tale of a brazen power grab by Edozie Njoku. This ill-fated attempt to usurp the democratically elected leadership of Barr Sly Ezeokenwa serves as a stark reminder of the perils that lurk in the shadows of political power struggles. The egregious affront, aptly encapsulated in the Latin phrase Ludus Potestatis et Ictus Gratiae, or “The Play of Power and the Stroke of Mercy,” lays bare the unscrupulous tactics employed by Njoku to subvert the will of the people and undermine the legitimacy of APGA’s leadership.
We are compelled to confront the dark underbelly of political power struggles, where unprincipled actors seek to exploit vulnerabilities and manipulate institutions for personal gain. We shall illustrate the APGA leadership crisis as a microcosm of the eternal struggle between the forces of stability and disorder and the need to bring to justice those who thwart and destroy institutional principles. This in-depth analysis will unravel the complexity of power struggles, strategic manipulations, and political machinations that have characterized Njoku’s repeated attempts to usurp and entrench himself as the National Chairman of APGA. His relentless pursuit, marked by desperation and futility, has reached its climax, with Njoku now sprinting towards the finish line of a marathon that, by moral and legal probity, is destined for defeat.
A Chronological Analysis of Coup Attempts
For a proper understanding of the current situation, it is imperative to provide a detailed and accurate account of the events that precipitated the APGA leadership crisis. This effective communication about the crisis is crucial for two key groups. First, the general public needs to understand the crisis’ implications, not just for APGA, but also for Nigeria’s democracy and institutions. Secondly, for party faithful to make informed decisions; loyal APGA supporters need to understand the intricacies of the current crisis. This means getting a clear picture of the issues at play, including the leadership tussle between Edozie Njoku and Victor Oye, then the newly elected National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa. This clarity is essential to enable citizens to discern fact from fiction, while loyal supporters can distinguish between valid concerns and misinformation so that those who express sympathy may know which direction to focus their sympathies as it is intrinsically and morally wrong to support and sympathise with an evil plan no matter the intentions.
The APGA leadership crisis has been marred by false claims, particularly from Edozie Njoku, who asserts he was elected National Chairman at a convention in Owerri in 2019. There’s no evidence to support this claim. In fact, Njoku’s legitimacy has not been recognized by any Nigerian court, and his actions have been deemed a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and the judiciary.
In May 2019, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) initiated a crucial process that would ultimately lead to a significant power struggle. The party issued a 21-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announcing its National Convention, slated for May 31, 2019, in Awka, Anambra State as required by Section 82 (1) of the Electoral Act. Dr. Victor Oye, the then National Chairman of APGA from 2015 to 2019, signed the notice in accordance with the party’s constitution. The National Convention took place as scheduled on May 31, 2019, with a team of INEC officials, led by Prof. Anthonia Simbine, in attendance to monitor the event and compile a report. This convention marked the beginning of a tumultuous period for APGA, as factions within the party started to ememerge. Led by Edozie Njoku. Njoku’s actions were seen as a direct challenge to Dr. Oye’s leadership, sparking a power struggle that would ultimately end in court where Victor Oye won and served out his tenure.
It’s crucial to note that Njoku’s claim contradicts the party’s constitution, which outlines the procedures for electing national officials. The claim that APGA held a National Convention in Owerri in 2019 is completely baseless.There is no INEC report indicating that the purported parallel National Convention actually held in Owerri on May 31, 2019, or any other date. In reality, there’s no evidence to support this claim. Courts have consistently validated the APGA National Convention held in Awka, while Njoku’s claims have been dismissed.
To make matters worse, some individuals, like Chief Chekwas Okorie, a erewhile national chairman of APGA has shockingly backed Njoku’s claims to the national chairmanship, despite the glaring lack of evidence. Okorie’s actions have been met with widespread criticism. His sudden interest in Njoku’s claims raises eyebrows, especially since there is no record of him coming back to APGA. Many Nigerians have viewed his stance as absurd, comparing him to someone clinging to a sinking ship. It’s worth noting that Okorie’s motives are questionable, given his mischievous history with APGA. He wrote a 341-paged book, “APGA and the Igbo Question,” in 2022 detailing why he parted ways with Ojukwu and APGA; but the fact is that Chekwas was sacked and disgraced out of APGA due to his financial impropriety; he founded UPGA and APGA went to court to challenge the similarity in the party’s acronym. This led to the changing of his new party’s name to UPP which was subsequently de-registered by INEC. He then ran to APC but APC stakeholders, knowing whom he is, gave him a cold shoulder due to his unwholesome antecedents. He saw an opening with the Njoku scam and thought it would offer a back door to use APGA again as a thriving lifeline. But as it seems, the current APGA leadership is too decent for his type of unholy transaction.
Edozie Njoku’s attempts to gain recognition from INEC as the National Chairman of APGA over the years have been consistently thwarted by the courts. A significant judgment that validates Dr. Victor Ike Oye as the rightful National Chairman is the Anambra State High Court judgment in A/92/2020: Ichie Benjamin Onugbolu Vs Dr Victor Ike Oye & Anor, delivered on November 18, 2020. This judgment upheld the 2019 APGA National Convention held in Awka, Anambra State.
To further solidify Dr. Oye’s position, multiple court judgments have confirmed his legitimacy as the National Chairman. Here are some key judgments:
– Anambra State High Court Judgments:
– A/92/2020 validated the 2019 APGA National Convention held in Awka ¹.
– A/201/2021 further validated the 2019 APGA National Convention and National Officers elected therein, and pronounced that APGA did not hold any National Convention in Owerri in 2019.
– Court of Appeal Judgments:
– CA/KN/146/2021 affirmed Dr. Victor Oye as the validly elected National Chairman of APGA.
– CA/AW/256/2021 upheld the 2019 APGA National Convention held in Awka, Anambra State.
– Supreme Court Judgments:
– SC/687/2021 dismissed the appellant’s appeal and affirmed Dr. Victor Ike Oye as the National Chairman of APGA.
– Corrected an accidental slip in its judgment in SC/687/2021, clarifying that Edozie Njoku was not pronounced as APGA National Chairman.
– Federal High Court Judgments:
– FHC/BAU/CS/10/2020 struck out the action brought by Chief Edozie Njoku seeking to compel INEC to recognize him as the National Chairman of APGA.
– FHC/ABJ/CS/1750/2022 determined that the corrected Supreme Court Judgment did not pronounce Edozie Njoku as APGA National Chairman.
– FHC/AWK/CS/202/2022 restated that the corrected Supreme Court Judgment did not pronounce Edozie Njoku as APGA National Chairman.
These judgments collectively establish that Edozie Njoku’s claims have been consistently rejected by the courts, reaffirming Dr. Victor Ike Oye as the rightful National Chairman of APGA. It’s clear that Edozie Njoku’s claims are unfounded and aimed at misleading the public and the courts. The legitimate leadership of APGA, recognized by law, is the one elected during the Awka convention.
The APGA Leadership Crisis: A Symptom of Deeper Issues in Nigeria’s Democracy
The APGA leadership crisis represents a clash between individual interests and the collective good. Those driven by personal gain and power often prioritize their own agenda over the well-being of others, leading to chaos and instability. This phenomenon is not unique to APGA, as it reflects a broader societal issue – the struggle between right and wrong, with the latter seeking to exploit and dominate. Just as a microcosm represents a smaller, simplified version of a larger system, the APGA leadership crisis serves as a microcosm of the eternal struggle between the forces of chaos and order that plague Nigeria’s democracy. This struggle is fueled by the human desire for power, control and self-interest.
Njoku’s claim to be the national chairman, despite not being elected through a recognized congress duly monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), highlights the audacity of individuals who have no regard for the rule of law, the dangers of godfatherism in politics and the manipulation of the electoral institution. This disregard for institutional norms by Njoku has far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.
Njoku’s audacious actions are a double blow to democracy. He is currently creating a sense of distrust among citizens, making them question the legitimacy and fairness of the Nigerian electoral umpire – INEC. This action, if not checked by the judiciary, can lead to widespread disillusionment, apathy, and disengagement from the political process.
The APGA crisis is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader pattern of political manipulation in Nigeria where individuals manipulate the system to achieve personal gains. The country’s electoral system has been identified as a major contributor to political instability. Nigeria’s democratic consolidation is facing significant threats from political power play and manipulation. The consequences of such manipulation include undermining of trust in institutions and erosion of institutional effectiveness. Edozie Njoku’s claim to be the authentic APGA national chairman, despite lacking electoral legitimacy, is a textbook example of political manipulation. His audacity to manipulate the electoral institution is a shame to all and Nigerians now look forward to the judiciary to save our faces from this public embarrassment.
The cult of personality in Nigerian political system has raised the phenomenon of strong men often overshadowing the importance of robust institutions. Powerful individuals, driven by personal interests and agendas, have manipulated the system to consolidate their grip on power. This cult of personality has led to erosion of institutional authority where weak institutions are unable to check the excesses of strong men, allowing them to operate with impunity.
This recent leadership crisis within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) created by INEC in their recognition of Edozie Njoku in a purported undisclosed court order is a case study that exemplifies the struggle between strong men and weak institutions. Nigeria’s future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: its survival hinges on building and sustaining robust institutions, with the judiciary playing a pivotal role as the nation’s moral compass. A strong judiciary is essential for ensuring justice, fairness, and the rule of law, which are critical components of a healthy democracy.
Conclusion
Throughout history, numerous examples illustrate the consequences of attempting to overthrow legitimate governments through power play. The French Revolution’s reign of terror, the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Soviet Union’s purges under Joseph Stalin all demonstrate the devastating consequences of unchecked power struggles.
Njoku’s claim to the chairmanship serves as a poignant illustration of this paradox. His actions, fuelled by an insatiable desire for recognition, threaten to undermine the very fabric of democratic governance. The judiciary’s role is crucial in resolving the dispute and ensuring the party’s new leadership, led by Barrister Sylvester Ezeokenwa, can operate effectively. In situations like this, the judiciary’s independence and impartiality are essential. As seen in Pakistan’s recent political upheaval, the judiciary played a vital role in shaping the country’s political landscape. Similarly, in Nigeria, the judiciary must demonstrate its commitment to upholding the law and protecting democratic principles.
For APGA to move forward, the judiciary’s decision must be fair, just, and in line with the party’s constitution. This will reaffirm the general will of the people and legitimize the new leadership led by Barr Sly Ezeokenwa that was duly elected on 31st May, 2023 at the Awka convention and enable the party to focus on its goals.
A clear and decisive verdict will put Njoku and his cohort in their place- it will tell of a judiciary that tolerates nothing but rule of law, justice and excellence.
As the nation waits with bated breath, the judiciary must rise to the challenge and demonstrate its unwavering commitment to justice and fairness. Their verdict will shape the party’s future and demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles.
