Abuja, NIGERIA— The political arena in Enugu State is currently charged with tension and anticipation as fear grips both the ousted leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and rival opposition parties in light of Dr. Ben Nwoye’s recent return to the party. His re-entrance is being likened to that of a lion reclaiming its territory in the jungle, instilling a sense of unease among other political actors and altering the status quo. Once a considerable figure during his tenure as the APC’s chairman, Nwoye’s rejoining is viewed not only as a personal victory but as a strategic maneuver aimed at reshaping and revitalizing the party’s future in the state.
After a brief hiatus, marked by several months of absence in the political arena, Dr Nwoye is re-entering the political fray at a critical juncture for the APC in Enugu State. With the political tides shifting, his presence could prove to be a game-changer in what is expected to be a competitive election cycle.
Months back, he departure from the APC was met with a blend of speculation and intrigue. When he announced his exit, he hinted at a forthcoming political direction, leaving many to ponder whether his absence would signal a permanent estrangement from the ruling party. However, his recent confirmation of returning to the APC has drawn attention, particularly as it aims to counter various challenges ahead.
In a recent exclusive interview with Time Africa, Nwoye articulated the rationale behind his decision, citing a commitment to rebuild the APC in Enugu. “Yes, it’s true, I rejoined APC a couple of days ago. The reason is that we want to unite the party,” he stated.
Dr. Nwoye past tenure as the APC’s chairman in Enugu showcased a series of noteworthy accomplishments. Under his leadership, the party experienced a surge in grassroots mobilization, which culminated in a broader awareness and understanding of APC policies. One of his primary achievements was a substantial increase in the party’s membership. By implementing an aggressive grassroots campaign that reached out to various demographics, he effectively transformed the APC into a formidable opposition capable of challenging the political status quo in Enugu.
During his chairmanship, the APC made significant strides during the elections, securing a notable number of votes that established the party as a serious competitor. His strategies led to the APC gaining traction in areas previously considered strongholds of other political parties. Nwoye was also instrumental in fostering a sense of unity within the party. His leadership style emphasized inclusiveness, encouraging dialogue among party members and ensuring that all voices were heard. This move mitigated factionalism and cultivated a more robust party environment.
Boom! Power grabbers and political hustlers tore the party asunder with falsehoods, forgeries, and falsifications. They were aided by the ousted former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who hijacked the party amidst this chaos.
Now, with Nwoye’s return, particularly in light of the rumored defection of Governor Peter Mbah from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, such a shift could greatly impact Enugu’s political dynamics. Already Nwoye is hinting at the positive implications of Mbah joining the APC. “It would be all joy for the APC to receive Mbah into the party soon,” he affirmed. He emphasized that his mission includes not only the revitalization of the APC but also the appeal to Mbah to join ranks with progressive forces. “If we don’t bring him in, the man who got about 14,000 votes during the governorship election, who is going around deceiving people, will have fewer votes in 2027,” he remarked, underscoring the need for united efforts to reclaim lost political ground.
Nevertheless, the path to building a cohesive APC in Enugu is fraught with obstacles. Nwoye disclosed that some factions within the party, notably the camps of Chief Uche Nnaji and the current Enugu APC Chairman Barrister Ugo Agballah, are resistant to Mbah’s potential defection. He pointed out that they have adopted an attitude of treating the party as a personal project. “It’s a project, 4772; he wants to go back as minister with another 4000 votes,” he explained.
Nwoye didn’t shy away from addressing the accusations of nepotism circulating within the party. He criticized Agballah’s management of appointments and alleged favoritism towards family and friends. “Go and check, Ugo Agballa’s wife is not a member of APC; did not work for APC, but she has an appointment,” he stated, raising concerns about the integrity of the party’s internal processes.
With an unwavering focus on unity, Nwoye is determined to raise the APC’s electoral stakes in 2027. He made his intentions clear that he back to generate a substantial increase in votes for APC and ensure that the presidency remains in the South. “We want to make sure that the presidency remains in the South, and Tinubu is the president. He will complete his second tenure in 2031, and then a northern will take over,” he posited.
This vision encompasses not just electoral success, but a long-term strategy for the APC in Enugu that integrates various factions within the party under one umbrella. His commitment to bring Governor Mbah onboard stands out as a cornerstone of this plan, suggesting that collaboration, rather than antagonism, is the desired approach for the party’s future.
As Nwoye reestablishes his role, tensions with Nnaji and Agballah are likely to intensify. The ideological rift stemming from differing visions for the party’s direction could inhibit unity.
But as the political landscapes continue to shift, will his previous successes sustain him as he navigates obstacles and challenges? With eyes turned to the 2027 elections, Enugu has every reason to watch closely as Nwoye’s vision unfolds, steering the APC toward a hopeful future or further entrenchment in discord.
Upon visiting Dr. Ben Nwoye’s mansion in Amuri, his home village, two imposing photographs immediately capture attention. One depicts a momentous handshake with the late President Muhammadu Buhari, symbolizing a deep-rooted connection with the party’s past leadership. The other showcases a more recent handshake with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, highlighting the ongoing relationship Nwoye has cultivated with the current administration.
These striking images serve as powerful affirmations of Nwoye’s standing within the party and reflect the presidential backing he enjoys—a critical asset for the APC as it seeks to secure victory in Enugu. The visual narrative represented in these photographs encapsulates Nwoye’s journey through Nigeria’s political landscape, illustrating how he has navigated relationships at the highest levels. This influential support could play a pivotal role in shaping the Enugu APC’s strategies and mobilization efforts as they prepare for the upcoming electoral challenges in the state.
In a political environment rife with uncertainty, Nwoye’s connections to the presidency may not only bolster his credibility but also invigorate the party’s base, galvanizing members and supporters alike as they rally towards a common goal: reclaiming Enugu for the APC.
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