Several prominent politicians and business figures have resigned from the All Progressives Congress in Ebonyi State following the party's consensus arrangement for the 2027 elections. Governor Francis Nwifuru convened a series of meetings starting in March, with final decisions on consensus candidates made on 28 April and 2 May. Among those who left the party are entrepreneurs Christian Nwali and Chibuike Orogwu, as well as politician Chidiebere Ofoke. Orogwu, who sought the APC ticket for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, submitted his resignation letter on 12 March to the chairperson of his Amudo/Okoffia Ward. Nwali, who had indicated interest in the Ebonyi Central Senatorial District race, resigned on 1 May, citing personal reasons in a letter to the Ekpelu Ward chairperson. Ofoke, an ally of Governor Nwifuru and aspirant for Abakaliki South State Constituency, also exited the party. Another APC member, Chikaodili Ojimba, resigned in May after being excluded from the consensus list for Ebonyi North Senatorial District in favour of incumbent Onyekachi Ebonyi. Party sources said Ojimba was dropped because he hails from the Izzi Axis, the same geopolitical zone as Governor Nwifuru. Despite claims of personal reasons, insiders told PREMIUM TIMES the resignations were linked to dissatisfaction with the consensus process. A separate resignation occurred in the opposition All Progressives Grand Alliance when Bernard Odoh, its 2023 governorship candidate, quit on 4 May. Odoh, formerly vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, said he had not been sufficiently involved in party affairs and wanted to ensure "institutional coherence and effective stewardship." He expressed continued commitment to national development. Governor Nwifuru denied reports of a rift with former Governor Dave Umahi, whose allies were among those excluded, calling the claims baseless while acknowledging "outstanding issues" in the consensus process.
Governor Nwifuru promotes unity in the APC while sidelining aspirants from his own geopolitical axis, including Chikaodili Ojimba from Izzi. This exclusion undermines the claim of inclusiveness in the consensus arrangement. Allies of Minister Dave Umahi and other aggrieved members now face diminished electoral paths within the party. The internal tensions could weaken APC's cohesion in Ebonyi ahead of 2027.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
