The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has rejected recent media stories that suggested an internal crisis, unpaid delegate stipends and a wave of resignations. In a statement released yesterday, state Publicity Secretary Uche Obute called the reports "false, misleading and mischievous," adding they were "a deliberate attempt to distort facts and create a non‑existent crisis within the party."
The party refuted claims that delegates at its recent national convention were denied stipends, labeling the allegation "an outright falsehood" and noting that the stories were based on "anonymous and unverified sources." It said the narratives were meant to distract the APC from its preparations for the 2027 general election.
Obute's statement urged the public and party faithful to "disregard the report in its entirety as it does not reflect the reality within the APC in Enugu State. Our delegates remain committed, loyal, and satisfied with the transparent processes and leadership of the party."
The APC also denied accusations of mass resignations, exclusion or marginalisation, insisting that both veteran members and newcomers are fully integrated. It highlighted the support of state lawmakers and local officials, and cited the South‑East Zonal Woman Leader Oby Ajih and Deputy National Chairman (South) Ben Nwoye as proof of an inclusive leadership structure.
The most striking element of the episode is the APC's swift, unequivocal denial, spearheaded by Publicity Secretary Uche Obute, which frames the alleged turmoil as a fabricated smear campaign.
By branding the stories as "anonymous and unverified," the party signals a broader anxiety about narrative control ahead of the 2027 elections, a period when internal cohesion is politically valuable. The emphasis on unpaid delegate stipends and mass resignations taps into longstanding grievances about party financing and patronage, suggesting that opponents may be exploiting these sensitivities to weaken the APC's foothold in Enugu.
For ordinary Enugu voters, the dispute could translate into confusion over which candidates truly enjoy grassroots backing, especially if the party's internal disputes are perceived as genuine. Members who rely on stipends or who feel marginalized may become disenchanted, potentially affecting voter turnout for the APC in upcoming local and national contests.
The episode mirrors a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics where intra‑party disputes are aired through the media to sway public perception, underscoring the importance of transparent internal mechanisms to sustain party credibility.
