Doris Ewoh, Enugu
At a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu, APC leaders, including Dr. Ben Nwoye and Barr. Eugene Odo, have signaled their readiness to welcome Governor Peter Mbah into the party, as internal rifts over leadership and integrity continue to stir debate.
This declaration was made during the Enugu APC Stakeholders’ Meeting held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at De Sheriff Hotel, Enugu, which was monitored by several members of the press, including PACESETTER correspondent. The meeting focused on the theme: “Repositioning APC Enugu State to Win Elections in 2027 and Beyond.”
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Nwoye emphasized that the only way to sustain the current legacy and development in Enugu State is for Governor Mbah to continue beyond 2027. He appealed to Mbah to join the APC, noting that every new member strengthens the party.
Following this, a motion was moved by Dr. El Ajah to formally accept Governor Mbah into the party if he chooses to join. The motion was seconded by Comrade Ngene Obama, and unanimously supported by all members present.
Barr. Eugene Odo, former Enugu House of Assembly Speaker, also expressed his support, stating that he would be pleased if Mbah joined the APC. He went further to reference a recent Enugu State High Court ruling declaring that Ugo Agballa is no longer the state chairman of the party and should cease parading himself as such.
Odo also addressed ongoing controversies involving the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Hon. Uche Nnaji, who, he said, has been accused of presenting a fake certificate. He called on the party leadership to set up a committee to visit the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to verify the Minister’s academic credentials.
“We want to advise the leadership of the party to possibly set up a committee to go to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to confirm, so we can know what the Minister represents,” Odo said.
Also speaking, Barr. Bartholomew Ugwuoke, former ACN chairman, noted that the “genuine APC” is back in Enugu and called on former members to return, saying, “We are moving fast.”
In his remarks, Hon. Sunday Onah, Deputy Chairman of the party, cautioned Chief Uche Nnaji on the continued support of Barr. Ugo Agballah, alleging that Agballah was expelled as state party chairman.
He noted that the State Working Committee would be left with no option but to take disciplinary action if the support continued.
Barr. Godwin Onwusi, Chairman of the 2023 House of Assembly APC Aspirants Congress, criticized the party’s recurring practice of suspending members.
“I have never seen a party where the stock-in-trade is to sack people. People come in, and when asked to view things from different angles, they get suspended. We cannot leave our party to birds of passage. These people will come and go. Hopefully, we are here to take back our party,” he said.
Mrs. Kate Nwafor, former Enugu State APC Publicity Secretary, expressed optimism, stating that with the renewed direction, the APC in Enugu is returning to its original path and purpose.
“With this new trend, I’m confident we are going back to our original stance to become what we used to be,” she said.
Reacting to the allegation of forgery of results by the Minister, an Enugu APC youth leader, Chidiebere Ezeh, who spoke to our correspondent over the phone, stated that the allegations were “just propaganda”.
“This is a non-issue, as it’s just propaganda by the opposition to tarnish the image and name of Chief Uche Nnaji.
“The DSS and other relevant bodies screened him before his assumption of office, so if there are any issues of certificate forgery, the DSS and NYSC should be in a position to address that.”