Former Military Administrator of Gombe State and frontline politician, Group Captain J.I. Orji (rtd.), has hailed the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Headquarters to dissolve the previous party structure in Enugu State, describing it as the end of a “monstrous leadership” that had crippled internal democracy and alienated founding members of the party.
Orji, who received a rousing welcome at Akanu Ibiam International Airport from Aninri stakeholders led by the member representing Aninri Constituency, Hon. Magnus Edeh on Monday, stated that the dissolution marks a new beginning for APC in the state.
“I am so grateful to the national headquarters and the national chairman of the party for taking this bold step to dissolve the monstrous executive structure in Enugu State. That structure, led by Ugochukwu Agballa, was suffocating political ambition, killing the spirit of comradeship, and frustrating those of us who built the party from the beginning,” Orji declared.
He described the decision as a turning point that has rekindled the hope of the original APC members and restored confidence in the party’s internal structures.
“Today, that monster has been dismantled. Now, it is time to pull everyone back — the founding members, sidelined stakeholders, and grassroots mobilizers — to rebuild APC in Enugu State as one united political family,” he said.
Orji, a veteran progressive politician since the APP and ANPP era, stressed that the move has set the stage for inclusion and strategic alignment with the national political centre. “Enugu State cannot afford to be left behind. Development requires being part of the centre in Abuja. If all our neighbours are politically aligned and we stand aloof, we lose out on opportunities meant for our people,” he cautioned.
The retired officer praised the state governor for taking what he called a courageous and visionary step by aligning with APC, describing him as a “highly performing leader who matches words with action.”
He assured the people that stakeholders within the party would provide honest guidance to ensure the state is not misled politically.
“When he’s going wrong, we’ll tell him. But so far, so good. This is the time to unite and build something bigger than individuals,” he noted.
Reflecting on the challenges faced under the dissolved leadership, Orji recounted the struggles of original APC members who were sidelined.
“Many of us suffered injustice but we never abandoned the party. We stayed and kept faith. This new dispensation is not just political — it is symbolic. It means the original owners of the house are returning to rebuild it,” he said.
He called on the people of Enugu to rally behind the new leadership direction, insisting that the state must not remain politically isolated. “This is a call to action. Let’s work together, right the wrongs of the past, and take our rightful place at the centre of national politics. The APC in Enugu State is no longer in the hands of a monster — it’s in the hands of the people,” he declared.
