By Our Correspondent
National News – A wave of resignations has hit the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State after several prominent members accused new entrants of marginalising long-standing party stakeholders.
The development, which unfolded on Wednesday, has heightened political tension within the party and raised concerns about possible defections ahead of future elections.
Among those who resigned are the party’s 2023 senatorial candidate for Enugu North, Ejike Eze; the immediate past state publicity secretary, Charles Ako; and a former APC chairman in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Simon Attah.
The politicians cited internal party disputes, alleged exclusion from decision-making processes, and dissatisfaction with the direction of the party as the main reasons behind their departure.
Eze explained that his decision to leave the APC followed what he described as undemocratic practices and unfair treatment of the party’s “old bloc.”
According to him, he personally financed his senatorial campaign during the 2023 elections but received neither financial support nor political recognition afterward.
He also lamented that despite his loyalty and sacrifices for the party, he had not been considered for any political appointment since the election.
The former senatorial candidate further revealed that he had earlier appealed to the governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, to integrate long-standing APC members into governance structures to promote unity and cooperation.
However, he said the appeal did not produce any meaningful outcome, leaving many veteran party members feeling sidelined.
Similarly, Ako stated in his resignation letter that loyal party members had gradually been pushed aside following the arrival of new political actors.
He claimed the situation had turned some early members into “prisoners of conscience” within a party they helped to build.
According to him, the APC’s current structure no longer reflects democratic values, fairness, or inclusiveness.
Attah also confirmed that his decision came after consultations with supporters and political associates.
He stressed that the absence of internal democracy and the marginalisation of key stakeholders made it difficult for him to remain in the party.
Political observers warn that the resignations could trigger further defections, with some aggrieved members reportedly considering joining the African Democratic Congress in the coming days.
