By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Ahead of today’s national convention of the ruling All progressives Congress (APC) holding in Abuja, Dr. Ben Nwoye has emerged as the consensus candidate for the position of Deputy National Chairman (DNC), (South), of the party.
Nwoye, a former elected and immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in Enugu State, was widely regarded as the frontrunner for the position zoned to Enugu State.
His emergence followed consultations reportedly guided by a directive from President Bola Tinubu, a source at the party’s National Secretariat, who craved anonymity, told People&Politics.
According to the source, “The issue of Deputy National Chairman, South, of our great party has long been resolved.”
The zoning arrangement empowered governors to determine candidates for positions allocated to their states, the source added.
“Emma Eneukwu stood no chance because the governors were given the express power to determine who fills the positions zoned to their state,” the source stated.
Describing Nwoye as a seasoned party figure, the source said his candidacy attracted broad acceptance within party ranks, particularly with the backing of Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
“Ben Nwoye is an astute party man, hence accepting his candidacy was without much problem, and his governor, Peter Mbah, was resolute on his choice. Congratulations to him and the Progressives because this has once again shown that the APC is very organised and has a way of reconciling all interests,” the source said.
People&Politics recalls that the contest for the position intensified amid alleged attempts by external interests to influence candidates for offices zoned to Enugu State.
However, insiders say the intervention of Gov. Mbah helped consolidate the decision within the state’s leadership, effectively neutralising external pressures and paving the way for Nwoye’s emergence.
Imo APC Chair Hails Uzodimma Over Successful Zonal Congress
Meanwhile, Imo State Chairman of APC, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, on behalf of the State Working Committee (SWC), State Executive Committee (SEC), all leaders and members of the party in the State, commended the leader of the party, Senator Hope Uzodimma for his sterling leadership that ensured a hitch-free and peaceful zonal congress of the party, held in Enugu.
He thanked the governors of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Mbah; Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt.Hon. Benjamin Kalu; former Senate Presidents, Anyim Pius Anyim and Ken Nnamani; the Deputy Chairman (South) of the Party; Chief Emma Eneukwu, other members of the National Assembly, other critical stakeholders and leaders of the party, for their continued support to Gov. Uzodimma, in what he described as his unmatched leadership of the party in the zone.
ln a statement signed by the state publicity secretary, APC, Jones Onwuasoanya, he said that the party recognised, in a special way, the governor’s sacrifices and selflessness in navigating and managing the varying interests within the party and ensuring that everyone came to an agreement, which ensured that the consensus arrangement was adopted in electing officials at the congress.
“The governor once again demonstrates exceptional leadership skills and the wisdom that has stood him out among leaders,” he noted.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Dr. Nwoye.
