…Mbah says hitch-free congress signals strength, readiness to re-elect Tinubu
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s South-East has elected a new eight-member Zonal Executive Committee following a consensus-based congress held on Wednesday in Enugu.
The congress, which took place at the newly renovated Hotel Presidential, drew a large turnout of party leaders, delegates, and stakeholders from across the five South-East states, underscoring the region’s growing political engagement within the ruling party.
Proceedings began with a motion by Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for the dissolution of the outgoing zonal executive. The motion, seconded by Senator Patrick Ndubueze of Imo North, was unanimously adopted by delegates, clearing the way for the emergence of a new leadership.
Addressing the gathering, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, disclosed that party leaders had earlier met at the Government House in Enugu and agreed to adopt the consensus method for the election, in line with the APC constitution.
“In line with Article 20.1 of our constitution, stakeholders have resolved that this congress be conducted through consensus,” Uzodimma said.
Further consolidating the process, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, moved a composite motion seeking ratification of previously concluded ward, local government, and state congresses, adoption of the consensus mode, and approval of the proposed list of zonal officers. The motion, seconded by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Uchenna Ugwu, received unanimous backing.
Following the approvals, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu was returned as APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), while Chief Innocent Azuoba emerged as Zonal Secretary.
Other members of the newly constituted executive include Ernest Mayor Ogbonna (Legal Secretary), Henry Onwuahaluonye (Publicity Secretary), Chima Kenneth Ogbonna (Youth Leader), Nwachukwu Stanley Chinedu (Leader of Persons with Disabilities), Oby Ajih (Woman Leader), and Arinze Ikedife (Organising Secretary).
In his remarks, the host governor, Peter Mbah, described the seamless conduct of the congress as a reflection of unity and organizational strength within the party in the region.
He noted that the successful completion of ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses without crisis had disproved predictions of internal discord.
“Our peaceful and successful congresses underscore the unity and resolve of the South-East APC. We have emerged stronger and more cohesive,” Mbah stated.
He added that the development reinforces the party’s determination to secure victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, citing ongoing economic reforms as a foundation for national growth.
Mbah also commended the outgoing zonal leadership and members of the party’s National Working Committee for their contributions, urging the newly elected executives to consolidate the party’s gains and maintain internal cohesion.
“As we approach the National Convention, it is important that we sustain this spirit of brotherhood and continue to position the South-East APC as a model of progressive politics,” he said.
The event was attended by prominent party figures, including former Senate President Ken Nnamani, APC National Deputy Chairman (South) Emma Eneukwu, as well as serving and former governors, ministers, and lawmakers.
The South-East zonal congress is part of a broader internal process by the APC to reposition its structures nationwide ahead of future electoral contests.