Mass exodus hits Enugu APC as ‘old bloc’ members cite marginalization, eye move to ADC

A fresh crisis has rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, following the resignation of several prominent figures from the party’s “old bloc,” who accuse new entrants associated with Governor Peter Mbah of sidelining them from leadership positions.

Those who have stepped down include the APC’s 2023 Enugu North Senatorial candidate, Ambassador Ejike Simon Eze; former State Publicity Secretary, Chief Charles Solomon Ako; and former Igbo-Etiti Local Government Chairman, Dr. Simon Chinekwu Attah, alongside other influential members.

Sources familiar with the situation disclosed on Wednesday that the aggrieved members are already in talks to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with consultations said to be ongoing ahead of a formal move.

Speaking with journalists in Enugu, Ambassador Eze said his decision followed what he described as undemocratic practices and deliberate sidelining of longstanding members after new political actors aligned with Governor Mbah moved into the party.

He recalled that he personally funded his senatorial campaign in 2023 but was neither supported by the party nor considered for any political appointment afterward.

“I flew the flag of the party as the 2023 Senatorial candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District on a personal sponsored campaign funds,” Eze said, describing the situation as “abnormal and wickedness” after he allegedly received no support from the party leadership.

He added that he had earlier appealed to Governor Mbah to integrate old APC members into governance structures to promote unity and support for both the governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the appeal yielded no result, worsening divisions within the party.

Former state spokesperson Charles Solomon Ako also cited exclusion and loss of internal democracy as reasons for his resignation, claiming that old members became “internally displaced persons” after the influx of new entrants.

“It’s very unfortunate that at present, the new occupiers have internally displaced most of its old members and rendered us ‘prisoners of conscience’ in the party we laboured for,” Ako said in his resignation letter.

He lamented that despite helping to rebuild and rebrand the party in Enugu State, he and others were sidelined.

Similarly, Dr. Simon Chinekwu Attah, who resigned as chairman of APC in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, said recent developments no longer aligned with his convictions.

“Recent developments within the party, particularly issues relating to internal democracy, lack of inclusiveness, and the marginalisation of key stakeholders, have made it increasingly difficult for me to effectively contribute to the progress of the party,” Attah stated in his letter.

Attah added that his decision followed consultations with supporters and political associates, stressing that he would continue to pursue development for his constituency outside the APC.

In an official statement announcing Ambassador Eze’s exit, his media team said the decision was taken “after deep reflection and careful consideration of recent developments,” adding that he remains committed to “justice, equity, and true democratic values.”

The resignations highlight growing tensions within the APC in Enugu State, particularly between longstanding members and recent entrants reportedly aligned with Governor Mbah, who joined the party from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Party insiders told SaharaReporters that more defections may follow, with discussions already underway for a collective move to the ADC as a new political platform ahead of future elections.

“The movement continues. The mission remains the people,” the statement from Eze’s camp added, hinting at further political realignment in the state.

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