Ben Nwoye,
Dr. Ben Nwoye, a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, has firmly declared that Ugochukwu Agballa is no longer recognized as the party’s state chairman, citing a valid court ruling and constitutional party processes.
Speaking to journalists in Enugu, Nwoye condemned what he described as growing lawlessness within the party.
He expressed concern over the continued recognition of Agballa by some APC members despite a court judgment restraining him from parading himself as chairman.
“Ugochukwu Agballa was removed in accordance with the APC constitution, and that removal was affirmed by a court of competent jurisdiction which also restrained him from parading himself in any form as chairman,” Nwoye said.
He explained that following Agballa’s removal by the Enugu State APC executive committee, Dr. Alphonsus Okafor was duly elected as acting chairman, a move he said complied fully with the party’s internal procedures.
Nwoye criticized the former National Working Committee (NWC), led by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for ignoring the court’s decision and continuing to allow Agballa to function in official party roles.
“The court order has not been stayed. It remains valid and binding, yet the Ganduje-led NWC chose to disregard it. That kind of impunity has no place in a party that claims to stand for the rule of law,” he asserted.
He warned that Agballa’s participation in party activities, particularly NEC meetings where important decisions were made, could render those actions legally questionable.
“Every decision Agballa participated in while under court suspension is legally questionable. His votes in NEC meetings, including the one that elected the new national chairman, can be struck down in court.”
Nwoye also criticized some Southeast APC leaders and a current federal minister for allegedly collaborating with Agballa in defiance of the court order.
“Why is a Minister of the Federal Republic sitting in a meeting chaired by someone who has been legally removed? Why are the Deputy National Chairman (South) and the Vice National Chairman (Southeast) endorsing this illegality?” he asked.
He expressed optimism over the appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the new APC National Chairman, describing him as a leader committed to due process and legality.
“We’ve presented everything to the new national chairman, and by God’s grace, he has given us assurance that the matter will be addressed based on the rule of law.”
Nwoye emphasized that there is no ambiguity regarding the leadership situation in Enugu APC and urged the national leadership to take swift action to restore order and compliance with the party’s constitution.
“This is no longer just about internal politics; it’s about whether APC is ready to respect its own constitution and the judiciary. Ugochukwu Agballa is no longer the chairman period. It is time the party put an end to this charade.”
