GRPolitics

APC: Oshiomhole, Onu, Nnamani tipped to replace Oyegun

Published

8 years ago

April 2, 2018

grassroots

Last Tuesday’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), no doubt, has thrown up new political permutations in the party when it becomes obvious that the current set of leaders led by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, might not go beyond June 30. The hustling for the post of the new party chairman has begun with the trio of Adams Oshiomole, Ogbonnaya Onu and Ken Nnamani emerging as the three frontrunners already.

The ruling party’s yoyo dance seems far from over following the pronouncements of President Muhammadu Buhari at the APC National Executive Council Meeting over the tenure elongation of the party leadership.

President Buhari’s comment that the tenure elongation of the Oyegun-led executive violates both the party and the national constitution has thrown open rooms for new permutations in the ruling party as to who is likely to lead the party into the 2019 general elections with Oyegun, whose position seemed certain two weeks ago, now likely to be ousted.

With the party congress likely to come up as a result of those comments, already fingers are pointing at a trio of “favourites” from which one is likely to emerge the party chairman.

The tussle for the stirring wheel of the APC has been raging between party chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and party stalwart Bola Tinubu. When on February 26, the party’s National Working Committee decided to extend Oyegun’s tenure, originally due to end in June, for another year, it seemed he had wrestled the wheel from Tinubu.

Tinubu’s silence has been ominous and many see Buhari’s pronouncement as an appeasement to him.

A Lagos APC source in a chat with our correspondent said, “President Buhari, by his statement, has been able to water the ground before his visit to Lagos and his decision distancing himself from the controversial tenure elongation has been able to calm frayed nerves in Lagos APC.”

APC stakeholders in Lagos, Tinubu’s home state, had kicked against the tenure elongation endorsed by the state’s party chairman with some Tinubu loyalists querying the Lagos APC chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale for his decision.

The Lagos Central senatorial chairman of the party, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, addressed journalists after a stakeholders’ meeting held at the State House, Marina, Lagos, to dissociate the state chapter of the party from the tenure elongation of Oyegun.

“We are against the elongation of tenure. We shall continue to make our decision known to the party and to the president,” Olusi said.

It has emerged that many APC stakeholders in the state are pacified by the decision to hold a congress and are reportedly looking forward to the exit of Oyegun.

President Buhari’s assertion that “what is expected” of the party is “to conduct fresh elections once the tenure of the current executives approaches its end” has paved way for the planning for the congress that would seal Oyegun’s fate.

A source said the party leadership had also seen the handwriting on the wall and begun processes to release the guidelines and timetable for congresses and national convention.

Though the details of the work of a technical committee constituted after President Buhari had overruled the tenure elongation idea is still being expected, a source said necessary information about the congresses and convention should be released by Wednesday this week.

For now, many APC stalwarts believe they are already in the post-Oyegun era, but one of them said there was no way the outgoing chairman could be forgotten, having stood out as the longest serving chairman of a ruling party in the nearly 20 years of the Fourth Republic.

“He survived as party chairman more than any national chairman of the PDP; so this is a feat for him even though the whole period is uneventful if not for the needless rancour in states,” he said.

But with the tide now firmly in Tinubu’s favour, indications are that he would have a huge say in who emerges as the party chairman and many believe that Tinubu and Buhari agree on former Edo governor, Adams Oshiomhole to lead the party into the general elections. But there are others shortlisted, including Ogbonnaya Onu and Ken Nnamani, with some political calculations behind the name of each man.

Race for party chairmanship

There are indications that the APC will still retain the chairmanship position to the South South geo-political zone despite the fact that opportunity will be given to contestants from the South East geo-political zone to participate. Sources said that the names of former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, as well as the former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, are being touted as the possible successors to Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

Adams Oshiomhole

Oshiomhole has always been mentioned as a likely replacement to Odigie-Oyegun. Sources said Oshiomhole has the support of President Buhari and the APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It would be recalled that President Buhari had in November 2016 told Oshiomhole that he would give him a national assignment before the political calculation changed.

A statement issued at the time by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, said Buhari spoke at the Palace of the new Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, shortly before he embarked on the commissioning of several projects in the state.

The statement quoted the president as saying that the country would be the loser if the APC failed to utilise the people’s governor’s wisdom, skill and energy.

“It will be a pity to waste his energy by him retiring. I hope there will be a higher assignment for him to do more for the nation.

“I congratulate the governor for his hard work; Oshiomhole is a hard working governor. We will need his services in Abuja.

“I hope the APC will look for a place for you because your service for the country is far from over,” the president said.

Some party members are almost certain that the deal is done for the former Edo State governor.

“For now, it is sure for Oshiomhole. He is the candidate of both Buhari and Tinubu. He is unbeatable,” a source said.

In a January visit to the presidential villa, Oshiomole had told newsmen that the visit was to “identify with the president.

“Well, you know it is a new year and I felt since I haven’t been here since 2017, I came in to wish the President a happy new year and appreciate him for his leadership of the country because as an APC activist and loyalist, I’m a party man, to reassure him of my absolute and total support for his government and even for 2019.

“I think that in moments like this nobody should sit on the fence. Our country has challenges and there are huge temptations here and there and it is important he knows that he has men and women who even at this hour have huge confidence in his leadership ability.

“Everything taken to account, I believe that every Nigerian who wants us to sustain some of the renewed vigour to deal with one of the most challenging problems that Nigeria has faced, namely corruption and things like that, you cannot but appreciate the president and all that has been done under his leadership this past two years and some months.”

Despite the brighter chance of Oshiomhole, most party stalwarts are not comfortable with what they see as his “independent-mindedness.”

Dr Ogbonnaya Onu

The incumbent Minister of Science and Technology was the national chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) until its amalgamation with other opposition parties in February 2013 to form the APC.

Dr Onu, the first elected governor of old Abia State, the first chairman, Conference of Nigerian Elected Governors, as well as the first presidential flag bearer of the then All Peoples Party (APP) which later became the ANPP, is being put forward as a potential successor to Oyegun because of his rare political discipline and consistency as he did when he held sway as ANPP helmsman since its inception in 1998 until it merged into the APC in 2013.

His major role in the formation of the APC and the clamour to bring the South East geo-political zone into the fold of the party are major factors being considered for his choice.

Senator Ken Nnamani

The past record of former Senate President Ken Nnamani, his presidential assignment as chairman of the Electoral Reform Committee, and the zone he hails from are key points being considered in favour of his candidacy.

But the minus for his choice is the fact that he recently joined the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Source: Daily Trust

GRPolitics

Why I Left PDP for APC – Governor Peter Mbah

…Says move is to align Enugu’s progress with national reforms under President Tinubu | Reports ORJI ISRAEL

Published

5 hours ago

October 14, 2025

grassroots

Dr. Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the decision marks “a new chapter for Enugu” and reflects “a conscious step towards a more compelling future.”

Governor Mbah made the announcement on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during a special address to the people of Enugu titled “Charting a New Course: Transition from PDP to APC.”

He described the move as a product of long reflection and broad consultation, stressing that it was neither impulsive nor politically expedient but a “strategic alignment” designed to deepen Enugu’s transformation and secure federal partnership for the state’s long-term development.

A Moment of Reflection and Renewal

In his address, the governor began by expressing gratitude to God and the people of Enugu, noting that his journey so far had been anchored on trust and shared vision.

“At a time when confidence in political leaders had almost collapsed, Ndi Enugu chose to believe in us. When I declared that ‘Tomorrow Is Here’, you put aside skepticism and stood by us. Without that trust, the transformation we see today would never have happened,” Mbah said.

He highlighted major achievements recorded under his administration in less than three years, including:

Smart Green Schools nearing completion across the state,
Primary healthcare centres established in all 260 wards,
Crime rate reduction by 80%,
Massive infrastructure projects, including over 1,000 km of paved roads,
AI-driven Command and Control Centre and 150 distress response vehicles,
Revamped water supply,
600% growth in Internally Generated Revenue, and
Revitalized state assets such as Hotel Presidential and Nigergas.

He also noted that Enugu had earned national recognition as the Cleanest State in Nigeria, winning the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Model Green State Award.

Appreciation to PDP, But Time for Bold Choices

Governor Mbah commended the PDP for providing the platform that brought him to power, describing the party as “a house where Enugu had shared history, struggles, and victories.”

However, he emphasized that leadership sometimes demands “painful but necessary decisions” for the greater good.

“After long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the PDP and join the APC. This is no whimsical decision. It’s a collective move by the political family in Enugu State — members of the National Assembly, House of Assembly, Executive Council, Local Government Chairmen and Councillors, political appointees, and over 80% of party executives,” Mbah explained.

He noted that despite Enugu’s longstanding loyalty to the PDP, “our voices were too often disregarded when it mattered most,” necessitating a shift to a platform where the state’s interests would receive fairer representation.

Partnership for Progress with President Tinubu

Mbah said his decision to join the APC was inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “visionary leadership and courage to make tough choices for national transformation.”

“I have found in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not just a leader of our nation, but a partner in purpose, a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow,” he said.

He praised the President’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which targets the empowerment of 8.8 million Nigerians across 8,809 electoral wards, saying it aligns with Enugu’s own grassroots-driven development model.

Mbah described his defection as “alignment at scale”, aimed at connecting Enugu’s destiny with the broader economic and governance reforms driving Nigeria’s renewal.

“We are not moving from resentment or fear. We are confident of our future. This move is about fairness, respect, and partnership. What changes is that our vision now finds stronger reinforcement at the federal level,” he added.

Reassurance to Ndi Enugu and the South East

Addressing concerns about how the political shift might affect ongoing projects, the governor assured citizens that his commitment to the state’s development remained unwavering.

“The progress you see today will not slow, and the projects we have begun will be completed. This is not a detour but a step toward a stronger, more connected Enugu,” he affirmed.

He also called on the political class across the South East to prioritize service delivery and regional interest over partisan loyalty.

“Our people are watching. What they care about most are results. True leadership is about service to the people, not service to self,” he said.

A Call for Unity and Shared Vision

Governor Mbah ended his address with a call for unity, urging Ndi Enugu to rally behind the administration’s vision as the state embarks on a new political and developmental trajectory.

“Let us gather with renewed hope to build the Enugu – and the Nigeria – that our children deserve. Tomorrow is here,” he concluded.

Background

Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a lawyer, entrepreneur, and public policy expert, was elected governor of Enugu State under the platform of the PDP in 2023. His administration’s Tomorrow is Here agenda focuses on technology-driven governance, industrialization, education reform, and fiscal expansion.

His defection to the APC marks a major political realignment in the South East, with implications for the region’s relationship with the federal government and the 2027 political landscape.

GRPolitics

New Enugu Group Throws Weight Behind Mbah’s Defection to APC

…Says move will connect Enugu to national development grid | By ORJI ISRAEL

Published

6 hours ago

October 14, 2025

grassroots

R-l: President Bola Tinubu and governor Peter Mbah Both of APC

A prominent socio-political group in Enugu State, New Enugu Group, has declared total support for Governor Peter Mbah’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a bold and strategic step towards linking the state to the centre for greater development opportunities.

Speaking to journalists at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, on Tuesday, during the official ceremony where President Bola Tinubu, alongside members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and other party stalwarts, presented the party’s flag to Governor Mbah, the convener of the group, Barr. Henry Okeke, commended the governor for what he called a “visionary and courageous decision.”

Okeke noted that the development signaled a decisive break from the past and the beginning of a new political era in Enugu State. He said the governor’s transition to the ruling party would unlock federal attention and investments long denied the state.

“We’re declaring full support for our capacity governor and an icon of the New Enugu State, as he takes this bold, wise, courageous, and historic step to connect our dear state to the Progressives Government at the centre,” Okeke said, adding that “We align fully with His Excellency in this new dawn.”

The group further assured that its members, spread across the 260 electoral wards of the state, would remain steadfast in their support for the Mbah administration.

“We reiterate our commitment and confidence in his leadership. We have activated our structures across the state to mobilize for the governor under the APC. His achievements in just two years have been unprecedented, and we are confident that with this alignment, Enugu will witness more jobs, more opportunities, and accelerated development,” Okeke added.

He further expressed optimism that the governor’s defection to the APC would strengthen the state’s political relevance and ensure the delivery of more democratic dividends to the people.

Governor Mbah had earlier in the day officially announced Enugu State’s transition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a colourful event witnessed by a massive crowd of supporters.

The governor, in his remarks, explained that the move followed growing pressure from the people of the state, who urged him to connect the state to the national grid of governance to enable greater federal collaboration and development.

The event, which attended by several APC national leaders, governors, stakeholders, former PDP stakeholders both in at the state and national levels, was described as a watershed moment in the political history of Enugu State by speakers at the rally.

GRPolitics

Enugu Commissioners Defect to APC Ahead of Governor’s likely Jump

By ISRAEL ORJI

Published

1 day ago

October 13, 2025

grassroots

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State

Several commissioners in Enugu State have officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), in what appears to be a precursor to Governor Peter Mbah’s anticipated defection to the ruling party.

The defections include Lawrence Ezeh, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology; Amaka Ngene, Chair of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board; and Felix Nnamani, Commissioner for Labour and Employment.

A video released by Dan Nwomeh, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, shows the commissioners holding APC flags and declaring their allegiance publicly.

Although Governor Mbah has not yet commented, reports suggest the formal defection is imminent. According to News Express, plans are underway for a ceremony in Enugu as early as Tuesday to receive him into the party.

Political watchers view the move as a major shift in the South East, potentially making Enugu the first state in the region under APC control since the 2023 elections.