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APGA says the new acronym APPA is close in pronunciation to its own.
The Maxi Okwu-led All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has objected to the planned re-branding by the Progressives Peoples Alliance, PPA, saying the latter’s proposed name and acronym could confuse members of the public and possibly lead to clashes, especially during rallies and campaigns.
The leadership of PPA recently proposed to change the party’s name to All Progressives Peoples Alliance, APPA, as well as its logo and flag.
According to a statement by Mr. Okwu’s media aide, Francis Ede, in Abuja on Friday, APGA said it had nothing against the PPA’s decision to change its name but that the new acronym was very close in name to APGA and could confuse the electorate during rallies and campaigns because of the similarity in pronunciation. It therefore urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to reject the request for the name change.
“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 Commission, INEC, rejects the proposed name in the interest of peace, justice and national unity,” the statement read.
APGA also argued that since the nation already had All Progressives Grand Alliance and All Progressives Congress, which is the proposed merger of some opposition parties, it was not necessary to allow the All Progressive Peoples Alliance into the political space.
“It is one name too many in a ballot box of “All Progressives” and “Alliance,” it said.
The party urged the leadership of PPA to have a re-think of the 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. This heated the polity for months and is 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,” the party said.
It recalled that 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 A. A. Kaugama, then Secretary to the Commission stated thus: 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. More so, 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,” the party warned.
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