Sources has learned that a growing wave of defections is hitting the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, as several senior members of the party’s “old bloc” resign, citing marginalisation and exclusion by newcomers aligned with Governor Peter Mbah.
According to Sahara reporters, Among those who have stepped down are 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, along with other veteran party figures.
Sources familiar with the matter told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that the defectors are expected to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the coming days as consultations intensify.
Speaking to journalists in Enugu, Ambassador Eze explained that his resignation followed what he described as undemocratic practices and deliberate sidelining of longstanding members after the influx of new political actors aligned with Governor Mbah. He noted that he had personally funded his 2023 senatorial campaign but received no support from the party, nor was he 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 personally sponsored campaign,” Eze said, describing the situation as “abnormal and wickedness.” He added that appeals to Governor Mbah for inclusive governance structures went unheeded, deepening 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 longtime members had become “internally displaced persons” in the party they helped build. “It’s very unfortunate that the new entrants have sidelined most old members, rendering us ‘prisoners of conscience,’” Ako said.
Dr. Simon Chinekwu Attah, who resigned as APC chairman in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, stated that recent party developments no longer aligned with his principles. “Issues relating to internal democracy, lack of inclusiveness, and marginalisation of key stakeholders have made it increasingly difficult for me to contribute effectively to the party’s progress,” Attah said, adding that he would continue to pursue development for his constituency outside the APC.
In an official statement, Ambassador Eze’s media team said his resignation came “after deep reflection and careful consideration of recent developments,” emphasizing his continued commitment to “justice, equity, and true democratic values.”
SaharaReporters understands that these resignations underscore growing tensions within the APC in Enugu State between longstanding members and newcomers reportedly aligned with Governor Mbah, who previously defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Party insiders told SaharaReporters that more defections are possible, with discussions underway for a collective move to the ADC as a new political platform ahead of upcoming elections.
“The movement continues. The mission remains the people,” a statement from Eze’s camp added, hinting at further realignments in the state’s political landscape.