The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly refuted claims by businessman, Arthur Eze, that President Bola Tinubu has endorsed Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for a second term.
The party described Eze’s remarks as baseless and misleading, insisting that they do not reflect the political reality in the state or within the APC.
Arthur Eze, CEO of Atlas Oranto Petroleum and a prominent Anambra-born businessman, had made the statement on Thursday during the second anniversary celebration of Governor Mbah’s administration.
Praising the governor’s leadership, Eze declared “God is a wonderful God. He brought Peter Mbah to change Igboland. Let me tell you, Tinubu has already endorsed him for second term. Tinubu endorsed him for second term because he has character. He is very honest, nobody will stop him.”
In response, the Enugu APC issued a statement on Saturday through its Publicity Secretary, Titus Ezeagu, categorically rejecting Eze’s claims.
The party dismissed his comment as a “personal opinion driven by self-interest rather than political reality.”
The APC clarified that Eze is not a member of the party, nor does he hold any official position within President Tinubu’s administration or political machinery.
According to the statement, he therefore lacks the authority to speak on behalf of the President.
“In fact, prior to and during the 2023 general elections, Eze was widely known to have openly opposed Tinubu’s presidential ambition, preferring another candidate,” the party stated.
“It is, therefore, disingenuous, self-serving, and opportunistic for him to now claim to speak on behalf of the President.”
The party further emphasized that President Tinubu has made no public or private declaration in support of any governor’s re-election bid, including that of Governor Mbah.
“Let it be made clear, the President has not made any statement, public or private, endorsing any governor in any state for a second term, including Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State,” the statement read.
Calling on political actors to avoid misinformation, the APC urged Eze to refrain from making comments that could mislead the public or distort the democratic process.
“We urge Mr Eze to concentrate on his business ventures and allow the democratic process to unfold under the Constitution, without resorting to spreading cheap propaganda which could cast Mr President in a negative light both nationally and internationally.
“His attempt to prop up Governor Mbah’s anti-people governance using the name of President Tinubu is not only false but a clear move to once again undermine the democratic process in Enugu and Nigeria in general,” the party added.
Concluding the statement, the Enugu APC reaffirmed its readiness to present a credible political alternative to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the 2027 elections.
It emphasized its support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda under the leadership of Chief Uche Nwakaibie, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.
