The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has raised alarming accusations against the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), claiming it is actively undermining the party’s interests in the state.
In a bold assertion, Ganduje affirmed that Barr Ugochukwu Agballah remains the legitimate Chairman of the APC in Enugu, insisting he should facilitate communication between the party and ENSIEC.
With a sense of urgency, Ganduje threatened legal action if the Commission persists in its dealings with what he described as “faceless individuals,” alleging that these unknown parties have been receiving unwarranted recognition in connection to the upcoming local government elections.
In a strongly worded letter dated August 26, 2024, addressed to Prof. Christian C. Ngwu, Chairman of ENSIEC, Ganduje expressed deep concern over the Commission’s failure to engage with verified representatives of the APC.
He claimed that ENSIEC has strayed dangerously close to jeopardizing the party’s integrity by entertaining a group of unnamed entities as the party’s elected officers without proper validation or official dialogue.
“Our attention has been drawn to your Commission’s alarming interference in the affairs of the All Progressives Congress, especially in Enugu State,” Ganduje wrote.
“Your recognition of a faceless group as authorized representatives of our party not only violates our Constitution but also contravenes the extant laws of Nigeria.”
He continued, emphasizing the gravity of the situation: “These individuals are neither elected officers nor accredited representatives of the APC, and yet they are being engaged by your Commission for the critical October 5th, 2024 Local Government Elections.”
Ganduje firmly reiterated that the Hon. Ugochukwu H. Agballah is the duly elected and recognized State Chairman of the APC in Enugu State, underscoring that he is the only individual authorized to submit names for the Chairmanship and Councillorship elections.
The National Chairman made it clear that the APC is not party to any valid lawsuit before a competent court in Enugu State nor is it subject to any restrictive orders.
“Therefore, consider this your final warning,” Ganduje cautioned.
“If your Commission does not cease its undue interference with the Management and Administration of the All Progressives Congress, particularly regarding the forthcoming Local Government Election, we will have no choice but to engage our lawyers to seek redress in court, bypassing any further communication with your Commission.”
