APGA Stakeholders Support Oduah’s Political Comeback

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

A coalition of stakeholders from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra North Senatorial District has expressed support for former Minister of Aviation and ex‑senator Stella Oduah, asserting that she remains eligible for public office and has not been convicted by any court.

Operating under the banner of Anambra North Stakeholders for Good Governance, the group described recent allegations and petitions against the former lawmaker as politically motivated and aimed at reducing her influence ahead of the 2027 elections in the state.

In a statement released Saturday in Awka and signed jointly by Chief Akosa Umeano and Afam Chukwura, the stakeholders maintained that no court has found Oduah guilty of any criminal offence.

The coalition cited proceedings before the FCT High Court, presided over by Justice Hamza Muazu on 26 March 2026, noting that the charges involving Oduah and Gloria Odita were amended, with two companies substituted as defendants in the matter.

According to the statement, “At no point did the court convict Senator Stella Oduah. At no point did the court pronounce her guilty, and no criminal liability was established against her personally.”

The group also rejected reports that the former senator had entered a guilty plea, stating that the pleas were made by representatives of the companies involved, as reflected in the court proceedings.

Stakeholders argued that allegations and petitions should not be taken as evidence of wrongdoing under Nigerian law, emphasizing that Oduah had previously contested and served two terms in the Senate after undergoing constitutional screening by the relevant authorities.

They linked the renewed criticisms to Oduah’s growing political relevance in Anambra North ahead of upcoming elections.

The coalition urged APGA leadership and the Anambra State Government, headed by Chukwuma Soludo, to ensure fairness and due process in addressing political disputes within the party.

Reaffirming their support for the former senator, the group said the people of Anambra North are capable of distinguishing between legitimate public scrutiny and politically motivated attacks.