Contrary to reports from some quarters that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has endorsed the ambitions of some political office holders for Aguata Federal Constituency, the Aguata People’s Forum, led by Mr Moses Ezechukwu, has described it as mere name-dropping, contending that the race for the party’s candidacy is open.
Ezechukwu, who in a statement described the alleged endorsement as a mere ploy to discourage other aspirants, insisted that every aspirant has access to the state and National leadership of the party
“As the countdown to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) primaries gathers momentum, the political landscape in Aguata Federal Constituency is becoming clearer—and, in some respects, more revealing”
“A noticeable trend by one of the aspirants is the increasing resort to “name-dropping,” particularly claims of closeness to, or endorsement by, the party’s national leadership”
“While access to party leaders may be a natural by-product of holding public office, it should not be misconstrued as a substitute for anointing, blessing or endorsing_ an aspirant.”
Ezechukwu noted that the closeness of political appointees contesting in the party’s primary elections to the leadership of the party doesn’t translate to any firm endorsement, adding that other aspirants equally have the right to relate with the leadership.
“The incumbent member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Engr. Dominic Okafor, by virtue of his office, maintains official channels of engagement with the Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, OFR (Oluatuegwu), and the party’s national leadership, including the National Chairman, Barr. Sly Okenwa. Similarly, Hon. Chibueze Ofobuike, as the sitting Chairman of Aguata Local Government Area, interacts regularly with the Governor in the course of his administrative duties and, like other elected officials, has institutional access to party leadership”
“Hon. Afam Ezenwafor (Afamation), though not currently holding an elective or appointive office, remains a member of the party and retains the right, as do all members, to engage with party leaders, albeit without the structural advantages of incumbency”
“In this context, it is important to draw a clear distinction between access and endorsement”
“The former is a function of office; the latter is a formal and deliberate political act. Recent developments within the party have already settled this matter”
He recalled the position of Governor Charles Soludo at the last South East stakeholders meeting on the coming primary elections, stating that;
“At the Special South-East Zonal Meeting, the Governor made it unequivocally clear that the primaries will be conducted through a direct process, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants”
“This pronouncement effectively dispels any insinuation that a preferred candidate has been pre-selected or anointed”
“It is against this backdrop that the persistent claims by Hon. Chibueze Ofobuike, suggesting that he has been endorsed or anointed by the Governor, must be critically examined and, indeed, dismissed”
“Such assertions not only misrepresent the Governor’s stated position but also undermine the integrity of the party’s democratic process.”
“Leveraging proximity, real or perceived, to project inevitability is neither a credible campaign strategy nor a reflection of grassroots support. Political contests are not won by association, but by acceptance.
“Experience has shown that posturing, embellishment, and political theatrics often unravel when confronted with verifiable facts.
“The truth remains constant: no aspirant has been officially endorsed by the Governor or the party leadership for the Aguata Federal Constituency race.
“Accordingly, party faithful and the wider electorate in Aguata are urged to disregard claims rooted in name-dropping and political insinuation.
“The forthcoming primary election presents an opportunity for members to freely and fairly choose their preferred candidate.
“Party leaders at the ward and local government levels, as well as all eligible APGA members, should be guided by this principle: the power to decide rests with the people.
“Aspirants should be evaluated on their personalities, track records, impact on people’s lives and the communities, and their capacity to effectively represent Aguata Federal Constituency, not on purported proximity to power.
“In the end, the ballot, not borrowed names, will determine the outcome,” he said.
