National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa, has defended the party’s decision not to field a presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, saying the move is aimed at strengthening its strategic partnership with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview in Abuja, Ezeokenwa said APGA’s leadership believes that sustaining its alliance with the APC is in the party’s best interest, particularly considering the support enjoyed by the APGA-led government in Anambra State.
According to him, the partnership has yielded tangible benefits for the South-East, including key federal appointments such as Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Mr. Mark Okoye Jr., both of whom are associated with APGA.
The APGA chairman stated that politics is driven by interests and strategic decisions, stressing that the party must prioritize actions that guarantee its growth and continued relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Addressing concerns over the possibility of supporting President Tinubu instead of Labour Party leader Peter Obi, who hails from Anambra State, Ezeokenwa maintained that party interest would always take precedence over ethnic or emotional considerations.
He noted that as national chairman, his responsibility is to implement decisions reached by the party’s leadership, regardless of personal sentiments or regional affiliations.
On the state of the nation, Ezeokenwa commended President Tinubu for taking difficult economic decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said previous administrations avoided. While acknowledging ongoing security challenges, he called for stronger efforts to improve security and ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
The APGA leader also warned against the growing use of ethnic and religious sentiments in politics, describing such narratives as dangerous to national unity and democratic stability.
He urged Nigerians to focus on competence, national development and informed choices as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.
