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The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is on notice of the decision by the leadership of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) to re-brand the party by changing its name, flag and logo and chose All Progressive Peoples Alliance as its new name.
APGA has no objection in the decision of PPA to re-brand, resuscitate and revive its dwindling party to attract members and supporters, but strongly objects to its choice of All Progressive Peoples Alliance (APPA) which is similar and very close in name, acronym and pronounciation of our great party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
It is obvious that APGA members, supporters and the general public may be confused and juxtapose the two parties in campaigns, rallies and elections which may lead to avoidable clashes resulting to a breach of the much needed peace in the country.
This will be prevented if the Independent National Electoral Commssion (INEC) rejects the proposed name in the interest of peace, justice and national unity.
The nation already has All Progressives Grand Alliance, All Progressives Congress and now All Progressive Peoples Alliance. It is one name too many in a ballot box of “All Progressives” and “Alliance”.
We also urge the leadership of PPA to have a re-think of its proposed name, APPA and change it in the interest of Peace and development of our nascent democracy.
The imitation of names and acronyms by political associations seeking INEC registration to function as political parties as obtainable in APC where four associations suddenly emerged each claiming it’s the authentic group with the acronym, which heated the polity for months and presently being adjudicated in court, the APGA – UPGA saga of April 2012 and current APGA – APPA could have been avoided if political associations and re-branding parties choose names and acronyms different from existing ones.
In deciding the APGA – UPGA acronym, the electoral umpire in a letter reference number INEC/DPPMPL//UPGA/428/1/143 dated 23rd April, 2012 signed by Alhaji A. A. Kaugama, then Secretary to the Commission stated:
“While the proposed name of your association is not similar to that of any registered Political Party, its acronym UPGA is similar in pronouncement to the acronym of an existing registered Political Party (All Progressives Grand Alliance – APGA). This in the opinion of the Commission offends Section 82(2)(c) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
“Consequently, the Commission shall not register United Peoples Grand Alliance (UPGA) as a political party”.
Unfortunately, the scenario has played up again, we urge INEC to reject the proposed All Progressive Peoples Alliance (APPA).
Moreso, as preparations are in top gear for the conduct of Local Government and Governorship elections in Anambra State in October and November respectively, an APGA government and stronghold.
A stitch in time saves nine.
Francis Ede
Senior Media Assistant to
APGA National Chairman, Barr. Maxi Okwu
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