The former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State, Barrister Ben Nwoye, has formally resigned from the party, citing a deepening internal crisis and a collapse of leadership both at the state and national levels.
Nwoye, who also served as a Federal Commissioner representing the South East at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, made the announcement during a press briefing held at De Sheriff Hotel in Enugu.
In a passionate address, Nwoye lamented the state of the party he once helped to build, saying it has lost its cohesion and vision.
“The bunch of broom which we painstakingly tied together in 2013 has loosened and permanently scattered,” he said, referencing the APC’s symbol of unity.
He expressed dismay over what he described as “vindictive politics” dominating the leadership of the APC in the South East, stating that instead of growing the party’s base, its leaders have prioritized clamping down on dissent and isolating perceived political enemies.
According to him, the situation in Enugu State reflects the wider rot within the party’s structure, pointing to the existence of two rival factions currently battling for dominance—one backed by a court decision and another operating in open defiance of the judicial order.
Nwoye criticised the national leadership for turning a blind eye to the division, alleging that repeated appeals for intervention and reconciliation by party elders have gone unanswered.
He accused the APC’s central leadership of disrespecting loyal members who voice dissent, likening their treatment to that of captives.
“Loyal party members who disagree with the central leadership have been treated with disdain,” he said. “I have engaged in extensive consultations with my grassroots followers and I have come to the conclusion that it is time to move on. I refuse to be a political prisoner.”
Nwoye also pointed to the marginalization of key South East APC stakeholders, such as former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige (Anambra), and Dr. Ikechi Emenike (Abia). Despite their contributions to building the party in their respective states, Nwoye said they have been sidelined.
“The party has not only failed to reward loyalty, but it has actively alienated those who once stood for its ideals,” he added.
