APGA says politics should not be a full-time career, urging members to maintain professional careers to discourage corruption and strengthen governance
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has called for politics to be treated as a part-time engagement rather than a career, arguing that professionals outside government are more likely to promote accountable governance.
Also read: Oluremi Tinubu Urges Governors’ Wives to Deepen Grassroots Impact
APGA National President, Sly Ezeokenwa, made the remarks during a media interaction in Lagos on Thursday, outlining the party’s philosophy and leadership approach.
“In APGA, we try to develop a model of politics that recognises that politics is not a business. People should build careers, and if you are a party officer, you should maintain meaningful professional engagement,” Ezeokenwa said.
He noted that maintaining professional careers outside politics discourages corruption and prevents the monetisation of political processes.
Ezeokenwa cited his own example, explaining that even as national chairman, he continues his legal practice, particularly handling election petitions.
Ezeokenwa addressed debates around the Electoral Act, emphasising that legislation is enacted collectively by the National Assembly and should not be attributed to a single party.
“If the National Assembly enacts a law, it becomes binding on all citizens once the president assents to it. The minority has their say, but the majority will have their way,” he explained.
He also clarified controversies surrounding electronic transmission of results during the 2023 presidential election, stressing that many critics lacked proper understanding of the process.
“Electronic transmission simply means scanning the result and sending it to the viewing portal. The law recognises that results are physically delivered by the presiding officer to the collation officer,” Ezeokenwa said.
He urged political stakeholders to focus on certified polling unit results and evidence before tribunals when questioning election outcomes.
According to Ezeokenwa, the electronic transmission system, introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), aims to enhance transparency and voter confidence, allowing Nigerians to view results in real time.
“Till date, nobody has produced an alternative result sheet; the only thing I hear is that INEC breached its guideline. If they breached their guideline, have you brought an alternative result to show the declared results are different?” he queried.
Also read: Oluremi Tinubu Urges Governors’ Wives to Deepen Grassroots Impact
He stressed that confusion between result transmission and collation underscores the need for greater public understanding of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of upcoming elections, including the 2027 presidential poll.
