The Action Peoples Party (APP) in Imo State has pushed back strongly against what it describes as attempts to undermine its growing influence, declaring that no political maneuvering can stop its rise ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking at a press briefing in Owerri, the state chairman of the party, Ernest Njesi, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating moves to have the APP deregistered out of fear of its increasing popularity.
According to him, individuals allegedly linked to the APC have approached the courts seeking the removal of the party from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) register.
Njesi dismissed the move as baseless, insisting that the APP remains a legally recognized political party fully cleared to participate in future elections.
“APP is legally and legitimately registered,” he said. “Only overzealous individuals in the polity are calling for its deregistration.”
He argued that the party’s track record already speaks for itself, pointing to its participation in past elections and its presence in the recently concluded FCT council polls as proof of its legitimacy.
Beyond legality, Njesi’s message was political—and pointed.
He claimed the ruling APC is uneasy about APP’s growing grassroots support across Imo State, particularly in rural communities where the party says it is gaining traction.
“They are fighting the party because of its formidable existence with widespread popularity and overwhelming acceptability at the grassroots,” he said.
The APP chairman also expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the 2027 elections, predicting strong performances at both state and federal levels.
Other party officials echoed the same position.
State Publicity Secretary Cajetan Duke and Legal Adviser Uche Nwosu said the party is focused on delivering people-oriented policies, particularly in areas such as economic stability, security, and citizens’ rights.
But beyond the statements, there’s a bigger picture.
APP is positioning itself not just as another opposition party, but as a threat significant enough to attract legal and political pushback.
The claim that APC is behind efforts to deregister the party remains unproven—but it signals rising tension as parties begin early positioning for 2027.
For now, APP is doing what emerging parties often do:
Frame resistance as validation.
Whether that momentum translates into real electoral strength is the part that still needs proof.
