The crisis within the Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has deepened as some party members have announced the expulsion of the state chairman, Ugochukwu Agballah, along with several other executives, for allegedly violating a court order.
The expelled officials include Chief Augustine Alumonah (state deputy chairman), Jude Aniogbo (state treasurer), and Mr. Emeka Eze (state organising secretary), among others.
Speaking at a media briefing in Enugu on Tuesday, Chief Charles-Solo Ako, on behalf of the party’s acting state chairman, Hon. Alphonsus Nwafor, stated that the affected officials had disregarded a restraining order issued by the Enugu High Court in Suit No: E/548/2024 on August 7, 2024.
The order barred them from continuing to act in their respective positions pending the determination of a Motion on Notice.
According to Ako, the officials had already been suspended before the court order due to alleged disruptive conduct that had caused instability within the party.
“The High Court bars these self-styled executives from acting and presenting themselves in any of these positions pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice,” Ako stated.
He accused Agballah and his allies of openly flouting the court’s decision by continuing to conduct meetings and issue statements as if they were still in office.
“In blatant contempt and disrespect for this order, they continue to publicly showcase their meetings, holding media briefings and interviews as if they are members of the State Executive Committee, despite the court’s injunction against such actions.”
The embattled chairman and his team were also accused of defying the court order by continuing to operate from the APC state secretariat.
“Agballah and his self-identified executives have persistently used the Enugu State APC Secretariat, defying the court order that prohibits them from accessing, claiming, or using the APC Secretariat, located at 59B Bishop Onyeabor Street, G.R.A, Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State.”
Ako further alleged that Agballah had victimised and orchestrated the arrest of party members who had supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Enugu on January 4, 2025.
“One of the most egregious actions of Agballa has been the victimisation and arrest of our members who identified with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, honouring and welcoming him during his visit to Enugu State on 4th January 2025.”
Based on these allegations, the party leadership declared the expulsion of Agballah and his allies, stating that their actions were fundamentally at odds with APC’s constitution and values.
“As a result, Ugochukwu H. Agballah and the self-proclaimed members of the state executive committee have consistently and shamelessly defied the High Court order, exhibiting impunity and lawlessness, and instigating further troubles and crises that bring our party into disrepute. Therefore, the leadership of the APC Enugu State Chapter officially expels Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Augustine Alumonah, Jude Chinedu Aniogbo, Moses Emeka Eze, Sunday Ugwoke, Ugwu Christian Kanayo, Eze Chidiebere Johnson, Queen Charles, and Onyekachi T. Ezeagu from the APC Enugu State Chapter for engaging in activities fundamentally incompatible with our party’s constitution, values, and principles, following a comprehensive disciplinary process,” Ako stated.
He emphasised that the decision followed due process and was reached after a thorough review by the disciplinary committee.
“This expulsion should serve as a strong reminder that our dedication to discipline and ethical conduct remains steadfast. The general public is hereby advised that anyone engaging with these individuals as members of the All Progressives Congress, APC Enugu State Chapter, does so at their own risk.”
Despite the internal crisis, Ako reassured members of the party’s commitment to unity and rebuilding.
“We shall build a united APC Enugu State that can make a positive impact on the lives of our members and the state at large. We will continue to uphold the principles of our Party Constitution, support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government and his Renewed Hope Agenda through promoting good governance, championing democratic values, and ensuring loyalty and service to the people.”
When contacted for a response, Agballah, who was in Abuja for the APC National Executive Council meeting, dismissed the expulsion, stating that he would not dignify it with a response.
