Over 260 councillorship candidates and 17 Local Government chairmanship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State have jointly expressed dissatisfaction over alleged neglect and political injustice following the September 2024 council elections.
In a co-signed statement titled “Echoes of Neglect: A Cry of Pain from the Enugu APC Footsoldiers,” High Chief Nwobodo Chinweolu Fidelis (Chairman), Hon. Engr. Frank Udeh (Secretary), and Hon. Obumneme Chibuzor (Public Relations Officer), speaking on behalf of the affected candidates, said their loyalty during a turbulent period in the party’s history has been met with silence and exclusion.
“Today, our cries are not whispers; they are echoes of betrayal, abandonment, and political injustice,” the trio declared.
They recalled that during the party’s internal crisis which culminated in suspensions and counter suspensions, they remained steadfast despite factional divisions.
“At a time when confusion reigned and leadership was torn between factions, we did not abandon the party. We chose loyalty over comfort, sacrifice over convenience,” the statement read.
According to them, nomination forms were issued under the authority of the Acting Chairman, and candidates financed their campaigns with personal resources in the absence of institutional support.
“No support came from the state apparatus, no backing from major stakeholders, and no encouragement from those who should have stood as pillars,” they stated, adding that rival leadership claims created uncertainty that nearly suffocated the party’s chances.
They said recognition by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission of Dr. Nwafor’s camp provided a glimmer of hope and legitimacy, reinforcing their determination to contest.
“Our resolve was rooted in the fundamental purpose of any political party: to contest, to compete, and to win,” they said.
Although most APC candidates reportedly placed second in their respective races, the signatories maintained that they fought gallantly despite alleged irregularities.
“Though victory was denied us, dignity was not. We carried the party’s banner when others chose silence,” they added.
The group noted that the appointment of Ben Nwoye as caretaker chairman by the APC National Working Committee rekindled hopes of reconciliation and reward for loyalty, especially amid reports of political realignments in the state.
“But that hope has turned into heartbreak,” the statement continued.
“Instead of appreciation, we received silence. Instead of inclusion, we encountered indifference. Instead of reward, we were handed neglect.”
Describing themselves as “grassroots generals, mobilizers with real supporters, voices with real influence, and leaders with real structures,” the signatories warned that continued neglect could weaken the party’s grassroots base.
“To ignore us is to ignore the very foundation upon which political strength is built,” they stressed.
Calling on the state government and party leadership to address their concerns, they emphasised that their grievances should not be misconstrued as rebellion.
“Our cry is not a rebellion; it is a plea for justice. Our anger is not disloyalty, it is the natural response of wounded faithful,” they stated.
They concluded with a pointed warning: “History has shown that when loyal footsoldiers are neglected, rival forces eagerly stretch out their hands to receive them. And when that day comes, the blame will not lie with the abandoned, but with those who chose not to hear their cry.”
