The former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, has declared that Ugochukwu Agballa is no longer the authentic chairman of the party in the state, citing a valid court order and internal party resolutions.
Addressing journalists in Enugu, Nwoye condemned what he described as a disturbing level of lawlessness within the party, especially among those who continue to recognize Agballa in defiance of judicial pronouncements.
“Ugochukwu Agballa was removed in accordance with the APC constitution, and that removal was affirmed by a court of competent jurisdiction which also restrained him from parading himself in any form as chairman,” Nwoye stated.
He said that after Agballa’s removal by the Enugu APC executive committee, Dr. Alphonsus Okafor was duly elected to serve as acting chairman in line with constitutional provisions. Nwoye expressed concern that despite this lawful process and an enforceable court ruling, some leaders in the party—including members of the then National Working Committee (NWC)—continued to recognize Agballa unlawfully.
“The court order has not been stayed. It remains valid and binding, yet the Ganduje-led NWC chose to disregard it. That kind of impunity has no place in a party that claims to stand for the rule of law,” Nwoye said.
He accused the former APC leadership under Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje of enabling illegalities and warned that allowing Agballa to function in official capacities—such as attending NEC meetings and casting votes—could render those actions null and void.
“Every decision Agballa participated in while under court suspension is legally questionable. His votes in NEC meetings, including the one that elected the new national chairman, can be struck down in court,” he said.
Nwoye also questioned the conduct of certain Southeast APC leaders, including national officers and a serving minister, who he said continue to associate with Agballa and attend meetings presided over by him.
“Why is a Minister of the Federal Republic sitting in a meeting chaired by someone who has been legally removed? Why are the Deputy National Chairman (South) and the Vice National Chairman (Southeast) endorsing this illegality?” he queried.
He welcomed the emergence of the new APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, whom he described as a man of integrity committed to due process. Nwoye confirmed that a formal petition and certified court documents had been submitted to Yilwatda’s office.
“We’ve presented everything to the new national chairman, and by God’s grace, he has given us assurance that the matter will be addressed based on the rule of law,” Nwoye said.
He further stressed that there is no ambiguity regarding Agballa’s removal and Okafor’s emergence as acting chairman, warning that continued defiance of the court order could plunge the Enugu APC into further crisis.
“This is no longer just about internal politics; it’s about whether APC is ready to respect its own constitution and the judiciary. Ugochukwu Agballa is no longer the chairman—period. It is time the party put an end to this charade.”
Nwoye concluded by urging the national leadership of the APC to restore order and legality in Enugu State, especially with the 2027 elections approaching.
