A group of prominent chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has petitioned the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, seeking sanctions against the former Benue State Chairman, Austin Agada, over alleged anti-party activities. The petition, signed by the APC Solidarity Group's National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sa'idu Muhammad, accused Agada of cross-party endorsement of Senator Abba Moro of the PDP and others. The group is asking the NWC to constitute an investigative committee and invite Agada to appear before it.
According to the petition, Agada, acting as leader of a prominent faction of the APC loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, made a highly publicized move by cross-party endorsing PDP's Senator Abba Moro for the 2027 senatorial seat. He also printed banners of APC Presidential candidate, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Sen. Abba Moro of the PDP. The group described Agada's actions as prejudicial to the interest of the APC.
The APC group also accused Agada of involving in the Rainbow Coalition, contrary to the interest of the party. The group stated that Agada's position is contrary to the position of the Governors elected in the platform of the APC, which was communicated through the Progressives Governor's Forum and endorsed by the 36 State chapters of the party and the FCT. The interview, in which Agada stated that he has no reason to campaign for the APC gubernatorial candidate in Benue, raised serious questions about party loyalty and compliance with the obligations expected of a senior member of the APC.
The petition stated that Agada's activities within a group known as the Strategic Alliance for Tinubu 2027, (the Rainbow Coalition in Benue), which is in bed with the PDP, SDP, LP, and NDC, are being conducted in a manner that opposes or undermines the APC's officially recognized political structure and its Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly candidates in Benue State. The group emphasized that supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 presidential re-election is consistent with APC's national interest, but should not be used as a basis for campaigning against other candidates of the APC.
The group urged the National Working Committee to interrogate the relevant provisions of Article 21 of the APC Constitution and determine whether Agada's activities amount to anti-party activities and are punishable under the relevant section of the party Constitution. The group declared that the petition is borne out of loyalty and commitment to party supremacy, discipline, unity, and the collective interest of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The petition noted that Agada's previous leadership position as a former Chairman of the APC in Benue State makes his public opposition to the party's Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly candidates a matter requiring the attention of the national leadership. The group emphasized that the party's national leadership has repeatedly emphasized the importance of unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group respectfully requested the National Working Committee to cause the petition to be investigated and, where the allegations are proven, ensure that the appropriate disciplinary measures are applied in accordance with the Constitution. This, they believe, will reinforce the principle that no member, irrespective of their previous position or present status, is above the party's rules and regulations.
Key points
- APC chieftains have petitioned the NWC, seeking sanctions against Austin Agada for alleged anti-party activities.
- Agada is accused of cross-party endorsement of Senator Abba Moro of the PDP and involvement in the Rainbow Coalition.
- The group urged the NWC to investigate and take disciplinary action against Agada if found guilty.
