Enugu, Nigeria – A prominent founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has made a strong appeal. He urged Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. The appeal is against rewarding what he termed ‘political bandits’ in the state.
Okechukwu specifically warned against granting local government slots. These would go to a group led by Chief Ugo Agbala. This appeal comes amidst the ongoing composition of Ward and Local Government Area executives. The process is currently underway in Enugu State.
His concerns stem from recent reports. These reports suggest a potential allocation. Two of the four slots earmarked for the APC might be ceded to Agbala’s faction. These slots are part of the proposed nine-member Ward and Local Government Area Executive structure.
Why Reward a ‘Serial Renegade’?
Okechukwu vehemently questioned the rationale behind such a potential move. He asked about the ‘valid ground or good conscience’ Governor Mbah would have. This would involve rewarding Chief Agbala. Okechukwu described Agbala as a ‘serial renegade’.
He further alleged that Agbala ‘led a political coup’. Okechukwu claimed this action significantly contributed to the APC’s poor outing. This occurred in the 2023 presidential election in Enugu State. The party only managed to secure 4,722 votes.
Recalling past performances, Okechukwu highlighted the APC’s stronger showing in 2019. During that presidential election, the party garnered over 56,000 votes in Enugu. There was a clear expectation to build on this momentum in 2023. Extensive membership mobilization efforts had been undertaken to achieve this.
However, Okechukwu asserted that these efforts were derailed. This occurred after Agbala’s imposition on the party’s structure. He added that the negative consequences of this imposition are now evident.
Warning Against Hostile Leadership
Okechukwu issued a stern warning. He stated that rewarding Agbala with these key political positions would be dangerous. He alleged that Agbala’s ‘hostile leadership style’ drove many committed party members away. This alienation, he concluded, contributed to the party’s lowest presidential vote tally nationwide. This occurred during the 2023 elections.
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