APC Chairman describes Imo senatorial judgment as “imperial,” urges judiciary to respect party autonomy, hails Uzodimma’s infrastructural strides
By Tony Ezike
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Senator Emma Anosike, has condemned the increasing interference of the judiciary in political party nominations, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with journalists on Monday, Anosike described a recent court judgment on the APC senatorial candidacy in Imo State as an “imperial judgment,” expressing concern that individuals who did not participate in the party’s screening and primary election processes could emerge as candidates through judicial pronouncements.
He alleged that the party had presented evidence of forged documents, alongside police investigative findings, which were allegedly disregarded by the court.
“It is completely disturbing that our courts can decide who becomes the candidate of a political party. It is ridiculous that someone who did not participate in the election process ends up being declared a candidate,” he said.
The APC chairman warned that imposing candidates on political parties could create internal crises, undermine party cohesion and negatively impact electoral outcomes. He disclosed that Anambra State had also experienced similar situations, where individuals allegedly outside the nomination process obtained court orders declaring them candidates.
Anosike appealed to the judiciary to exercise restraint and respect the internal democratic processes of political parties, stressing that the courts must not undermine the institutions they are constitutionally empowered to protect.
“I am appealing to the judiciary because it is key to this democracy. The rate at which the judiciary is getting involved in party nominations is negatively impacting our democracy,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Anosike commended Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for what he described as remarkable infrastructural transformation, particularly in road construction and the rehabilitation of previously substandard projects.
He noted that improved road networks had significantly reduced travel time between Owerri and Enugu, while urging Nigerians to appreciate genuine achievements irrespective of political affiliations.
“At a point, people travelled as far as Lagos and Abuja to host major events such as traditional weddings, the narrative has changed significantly, thanks to the collaboration among our state governors. Our problem is that we do not appreciate success and achievements,” he lamented.
The APC chairman also called for greater collaboration among South-East governors, noting that having all five governors in the same political party presents a historic opportunity to accelerate regional development.
Anosike noted that for the first time in the region’s history, all the five South-East states currently have first-eleven leaders as governors. This he said became the reality on ground following the massive infrastructural development of the sister states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo on a very competitive scale.
“We need collaboration to make the zone develop well. The governors in the South-East are undertaking healthy competition among themselves for overriding public interest” he said, urging the judiciary to allow political parties to manage their internal affairs in accordance with established rules and procedures.
