The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected claims of internal conflict, calling reports of mass resignations and unpaid stipends for delegates false. In a statement released on Sunday, the party's state publicity secretary, Uche Obute, described the allegations as a "fabricated narrative" aimed at tarnishing the party's image. Obute attributed the reports to individuals with undisclosed motives, insisting that party activities across local government areas remain uninterrupted. He confirmed that all elected delegates have received their stipends as approved by the national leadership. The APC in Enugu State reaffirmed its unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that structures at the ward, local, and state levels are fully functional. No names were provided of alleged defectors, nor were specific figures cited regarding the stipends. The party urged the public to disregard what it termed "baseless speculation" circulating online and in some media outlets. Obute emphasized that the Enugu APC remains focused on grassroots mobilization and voter engagement.
Uche Obute's swift dismissal of internal unrest in the Enugu APC reveals more than it conceals—the very need for a public rebuttal signals underlying tensions, even if not yet at crisis level. When a party spokesperson feels compelled to issue a statement denying mass resignations and unpaid allowances, it reflects either real murmurs within the ranks or a preemptive strike against anticipated dissent. The mention of "individuals with undisclosed motives" is a familiar rhetorical shield, often used to sideline legitimate internal grievances by painting critics as saboteurs.
Enugu politics has long been shaped by factional jostling, especially within opposition parties trying to consolidate against dominant regional forces. The APC, still rebuilding its footprint in the South-East, cannot afford visible disarray ahead of 2027. Claims about unpaid delegate stipends—denied though they are—touch a nerve, as financial transparency has historically plagued party structures. Whether or not the reports are exaggerated, the perception of mismanagement can erode trust among grassroots members.
For ordinary APC members and voters in Enugu, this episode fuels skepticism about internal democracy and accountability. If delegates' welfare is being questioned, it raises concerns about how party resources are managed long before elections. More broadly, this fits a recurring pattern: Nigerian political parties often project unity publicly while navigating internal rifts in private, revealing a gap between image and reality in party building.
