APGA National Chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa attends INEC’S Consultative Meeting with Political Parties

 

APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, SLY EZEOKENWA ATTENDS INEC’S CONSULTATIVE MEETING WITH POLITICAL PARTIES

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The incumbent National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, attended the First Regular Consultative Meeting with Political Parties held today, January 22, 2025, at the INEC Conference Room in Abuja. This important meeting, chaired by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, focused on preparations for the year’s electoral activities and other critical developments in the nation’s democratic process.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu expressed gratitude to political parties for their cooperation in 2024, a year that saw the successful conduct of 51 re-run elections, bye-elections, and off-cycle elections, including the Ondo State Governorship Election. He noted the Commission’s resilience in addressing challenges such as office attacks and flooding incidents, which tested its operational efficiency.

The INEC Chairman highlighted the busy schedule for 2025, particularly the Anambra State Governorship election slated for November 8, 2025. He reminded political parties to adhere to the timelines for primaries, set between March 20 and April 10, 2025. The submission of activity schedules by political parties was emphasized as crucial for better coordination with the Commission.

Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa reaffirmed APGA’s commitment to collaborating with INEC in ensuring credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Ezeokenwa emphasized the need for political parties to take ownership of the electoral process by upholding democratic values and fostering peaceful conduct during elections.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the announcement of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, scheduled for February 21, 2026. Prof. Yakubu detailed the electoral timelines, including the issuance of the Notice of Election on February 26, 2025, party primaries from June 9 to June 30, 2025, and the commencement of campaigns on September 24, 2025.

The Commission also announced plans to resume nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) to address new voter registrations and relocations. APGA, through Barr. Ezeokenwa, assured its readiness to mobilize citizens, particularly youths, to participate actively in the exercise to strengthen voter inclusivity.

INEC used the platform to reiterate its long-standing advocacy for a more cost-effective method of filling electoral vacancies to reduce the burden of multiple bye-elections on its resources and operations. Prof. Yakubu called on political parties and other stakeholders to support legislative amendments to address this issue.

Ezeokenwa commended INEC for its proactive approach to tackling electoral challenges, especially its commitment to stakeholder engagements and transparency. He pledged that APGA would continue to uphold its philosophy of being a people-centric party that champions grassroots development and democratic ideals.

The meeting concluded with the distribution of electoral guidelines and timelines for upcoming elections to party representatives. This initiative reflects INEC’s commitment to inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability in its operations.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance remains dedicated to playing a leading role in deepening Nigeria’s democracy by promoting free, fair, and credible elections. APGA also urges all political actors to prioritize national interest over partisan gains as the country moves into another critical electoral cycle.