By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has given Senator Patrick Abba Moro 48 hours to retract an alleged claim of political partnership with the party and issue a public apology, insisting that it has its own candidate for the Benue South senatorial seat.
The party said it had neither authorised Moro, who represents Benue South in the Senate, to speak on its behalf nor approved any political arrangement suggesting an alliance with him.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the APGA State Chairman, Comrade Ogli Joseph Inalegwu, described any suggestion of a partnership between the party and the senator as unauthorised, stressing that the party remained independent in its political decisions and electoral ambitions.
Inalegwu said APGA had its own candidate for the Benue South senatorial seat and was committed to pursuing its political objectives through the democratic process.
He warned that no individual or political officeholder should associate the party with any political arrangement without the express approval of its appropriate leadership.
The party also expressed concern over the reported remarks concerning other political parties and individuals seeking political cooperation, insisting that political engagements should be conducted with mutual respect and recognition of each party’s independence.
APGA consequently demanded that Moro publicly retract the alleged statement suggesting a partnership with the party and tender an unreserved apology to its leadership, members and supporters within 48 hours.
It further warned the senator against making any future statements suggesting an alliance with the party without the express authorisation of its leadership.
The party said the demand was necessary to protect its identity and political standing and prevent what it described as a misleading impression of an endorsement or alliance that had not been formally approved.
It maintained that it would participate in the democratic process on its own terms, with its candidates, principles and aspirations, adding that it would defend its interests through lawful and democratic means.
