APC Raises Concern Over Alleged Secessionist Moves in Enugu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has raised concerns over what it described as attempts by certain groups to destabilise Governor Peter Mbah’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The party clarified, however, that those it referred to as “secessionists” are not groups seeking Nigeria’s break-up, but individuals and organisations agitating for the creation of a new state from the existing Enugu State structure.

The APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in the state, Dr. Ben Nwoye, made the allegation on Monday while receiving members of the Asiwaju Renewed Mandate South East (ARMSE), led by Denge Josef Onoh, a former spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu in the South-East.

Nwoye alleged that various groups advocating for state creation have been making political moves that could disrupt the current zoning arrangement in the state. According to him, some of the agitators are working to sponsor governorship candidates for the 2027 election—either from the same Enugu East Senatorial District as Governor Mbah or from districts outside the zone currently favoured by the state’s rotational understanding.

He argued that such efforts could undermine political stability, especially in view of what he described as the governor’s strong performance in office.

“Those opposed to Governor Peter Mbah are trying to destabilise the state,” Nwoye said. “Some of them are not Biafra agitators, but individuals pushing for a new state while mobilising people, particularly from Enugu East Senatorial Zone, to contest the governorship in 2027.”

He added that while the party supports the creation of additional states, such aspirations should not be pursued in a manner that disrupts the existing political structure. “You cannot destabilise the state you currently belong to in the process of seeking a new one,” he cautioned.

Speaking on behalf of ARMSE, Onoh explained that the group visited the APC secretariat not only to reaffirm support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid but also to advocate for Governor Mbah’s second term in the interest of political continuity and stability.

Onoh recalled that since 1999, Enugu State has operated a rotational governorship system established by its founding political leaders, including Senator Jim Nwobodo, the late Chief C.C. Onoh, and Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo. He noted that the arrangement has ensured that governors complete two uninterrupted terms, thereby maintaining balance and stability across the senatorial zones.

“Although the Asiwaju Renewed Hope Mandate was primarily designed to promote President Tinubu’s re-election, we sought approval to also support Governor Mbah’s second term to sustain Enugu’s stability,” Onoh said.

He stressed that allowing the governor to complete two terms would preserve the long-standing rotational agreement and prevent political tension. According to him, the group’s intervention is aimed at preventing instability similar to what has occurred in other states.

“We are here to pledge our full support to ensure that the existing understanding in Enugu State is respected and sustained,” he added.