A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, has described the immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in the state, Ben Nwoye, as a major force in grassroots politics whose leadership helped reposition the party.
Okafor made the remarks while speaking with journalists on Wednesday on the outcome of the recently concluded APC congresses in the state and the future direction of the party.
He credited Nwoye with stabilising the party at a critical period and facilitating what he described as a smooth political transition that strengthened the APC’s presence in the state.
According to him, Nwoye’s leadership was instrumental in ensuring that the entrance of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah into the party was carried out peacefully and without internal conflict.
“I thank God for the gift of Dr. Ben Nwoye to APC Enugu State. He came, saw, and conquered. When it was clear that the party was heading towards doomsday, Dr. Nwoye intervened and took one of the worst political risks by begging Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to join APC,” Okafor said.
“When the move started, many saw it as impossible and foolish, but as the negative thoughts were progressing, he never reneged. He was intentional about what the party needed in the state. He was everywhere begging the Governor to join APC.”
Okafor added that Nwoye demonstrated exceptional commitment to the party’s growth.
“He spent his resources, time, and energy to do this. As someone who has worked so well for the party, he knew that merchants from Akpugo who took over the party were temporary intruders who would leave shamefully,” he said.
“As one of those who wants Enugu to connect to the centre and fight for what rightly belongs to her, he worked like a bee and he has achieved that. He has written his name in the political history of the state. In fact, saying that he has changed the Government subject syllabus is also correct.”
Okafor further praised Nwoye’s leadership style, saying it helped unify members of the party and contributed to the successful conduct of the recent congresses.
“It was evident how he took the mantle and showed what grassroots leadership entails. For the first time in Enugu State, the media and other political actors were with APC, speaking well about its progress,” he said.
“This was not ordinary; it was because the party had a leader who understands politics and leadership. He talks to everyone and responds to issues with commitment and love. He has made APC a party to behold in the state.”
The APC stalwart also suggested that Nwoye should be considered for a bigger role within the party at the national level.
“It is time to give him a more significant assignment for the party at the national level. This is because, as a former state chairman, foundation member, and former secretary of the Forum of APC State Chairmen, he knows the national politics of the party,” he said.
“He is likely one who will propagate both the Renewed Hope Agenda and Tomorrow Is Here roadmap very well, as he understands the footprints clearly.”
Okafor added that Nwoye possesses the experience required to represent the state effectively within the national structure of the party.
“In fact, if you check all the leaders of the party in the state, he is just that person who can go there and make the state proud. This is just my own personal view as a foundation member of the party and also a political leader in the state,” he said.
He also commended Governor Mbah for supporting Nwoye’s leadership at a time when there were strong opposing interests.
Okafor noted that the governor’s decision to trust Nwoye with the party’s leadership reflected his leadership qualities and commitment to unity within the political space.
