The outgoing caretaker chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, has said that Dr. Martin Chukwunweike became the state chairman of the party because of his wide experience in politics.
Speaking after the APC state congress held on Tuesday, Nwoye said Chukwunweike, who was the immediate past chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu, has made great sacrifices and successfully led the PDP in the state before joining the APC.
According to Nwoye, the election process was transparent and peaceful. He said Chukwunweike was chosen through a voice vote because there was no opposition. He added that members who joined the APC from the PDP and the Labour Party were fully involved in the process.
Nwoye explained that party leadership is not permanent and that loyalty to the party is different from holding a position. He said he remains a loyal member of the APC even when he is not holding office. He also noted that the APC performed poorly in the 2023 elections in Enugu, getting only about 4,000 votes for President Bola Tinubu, and that the party needs experienced leadership to grow.
He praised Dr. Chukwunweike for leaving the PDP after Peter Mbah moved to the APC. Nwoye said Chukwunweike could have stayed back in the PDP and created political tension but chose to join the APC to promote unity and stability in Enugu State. He added that no one stopped others from contesting, but Chukwunweike was the only person who bought the nomination form.
Dr. Chukwunweike, a medical doctor, joined the APC last year alongside Governor Mbah, the 17 local government chairmen, and most members of the Enugu State House of Assembly. He and 36 others were elected unanimously at Okpara Square.
During the congress, Governor Mbah praised President Tinubu’s economic policies, saying they have increased revenue for states. He said the president’s bold decisions have helped stabilize the exchange rate, strengthen the naira, and increase Nigeria’s foreign reserves.
Mbah also said joining the APC has brought major benefits to Enugu State. According to him, the Enugu International Airport and its cargo terminal have been given to private investors to manage, which will turn Enugu into a major aviation hub. He added that approval has been granted for the completion of the railway project connecting Enugu and for the South East Development Commission. He also mentioned plans for a high-pressure gas pipeline to boost energy supply in the state.
In his acceptance speech, Chukwunweike promised to work with his team to ensure the re-election of Governor Mbah and President Tinubu. He expressed confidence that their performance would help them win future elections.