By Christie Unanka, Enugu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has been thrown into fresh crisis following open confrontarion beteeen Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and the party’s National Deputy Chairman, (South), Chief Ben Nwonye.
The GAZETTE gathered that Governor Uzodinma during the last APC’s stakeholders meeting in Abuja openly accused Chief Nwonye of blocking his chances of securing tickets for his political allies, vowing to stage a withdrawal method from APC should the insult from party leaders against him continues.
Earlier, a statement signed by the APC Publicity Secretary in Imo State and immediate past Special Adviser on Strategic Communication to Governor Hope Uzodinma, Onwuasianya FCC Jones revealed that the battle between his Principal and Chief Nwonye was capable of destroying the fortunes of the party in the South if Nwonye was not cautioned.
The fresh political battle was unconnected with the rumoured Uzodinma’s insistence to grab APC Governorship ticket for his stooge, while allegedly reported of scheming to step aside to enable him contest the Imo West Senatorial seat. An insider source revealed that Uzodinma is rooting to be the next Senate President if he finally emerges as Senator in the 2027 polls.
Information further revealed that the crisis, which has been brewing beneath the surface, erupted publicly following sharp disagreements over party control, influence, and the future direction of the APC in the Southern part of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources within the party disclosed that both camps have resorted to intense political confrontations, accusations, and strategic alignments aimed at outmaneuvering each other. The once-united structure of the APC in the South now appears deeply divided, with loyalists pitching camps and tensions rising across party ranks.
In a shocking twist, Governor Uzodinma is alleged to have distanced himself from the 2027 re-election ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a development that has further heightened anxiety within the party.
“I will not support Tinubu’s re-election,” the governor was quoted as saying in what political observers have described as a major crack within the APC’s national alignment.
The statement, if it stands, signals a dramatic shift in political loyalty and raises serious questions about the stability of the ruling party, especially in the South-East where efforts have been ongoing to strengthen its base.
Party insiders warn that the ongoing feud between Uzodinma and Nwoye is no longer just a disagreement but a full-blown political battle that could significantly weaken the APC’s chances in future elections if not urgently addressed.
Observers note that the situation reflects deeper internal struggles over succession plans, control of party machinery, and strategic positioning ahead of 2027.
As the crisis deepens, many fear that the APC in Imo State and the South may be heading into a prolonged period of instability, with ripple effects that could extend beyond the state and impact the party’s national cohesion.
For now, the party remains on edge as stakeholders watch closely to see whether reconciliation efforts will be made or if the crisis will spiral further out of control.
