Mixed reactions have continued to trail the just-concluded ward and local government congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, with some recent defectors expressing dissatisfaction over the outcome.
Some of the new entrants into the ruling party who spoke with journalists in Abakaliki, alleged that the congresses were structured to favour longstanding members, thereby excluding them from the party’s leadership framework ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One of the defectors, Christian Eze, said they were assured of inclusivity before joining the APC but were disappointed by what transpired during the congresses.
“Before we joined the APC, we were given assurances that the party would be fair to both old and new members. But what we witnessed during the ward and local government congresses was a departure from those promises,” he said.
Eze argued that party structures should reflect popularity, commitment and electoral value, especially with preparations already underway for 2027.
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He described the return of former executives through consensus as undemocratic and warned that sidelining new members could breed internal discontent.
Another new entrant, Uchenna Ewa, also described the process as unfair, alleging that the decision to return all executives amounted to a betrayal of earlier assurances of a level playing field.
“We came into the party believing there would be equal opportunities for everyone. We believe the governor, as a listening leader, will address our concerns and ensure fairness moving forward,” he said.
However, other party leaders dismissed the allegations, describing the congresses as peaceful, credible and reflective of the wishes of members across the state.
The Ebonyi State APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Emegha, maintained that the congresses followed due process and that all grievances were amicably resolved.
“There is no problem at all. All petitions brought before me were resolved. The consensus arrangement is in line with the party’s constitution and not a substitute for democracy,” he said, adding that the party remains large enough to accommodate all members.
At Abakaliki Local Government Area, the state Commissioner for Works, Stanley Mbam, commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise, attributing it to the conducive environment provided by the state government.
Similarly, the lawmaker representing Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Rep. Eze Nwachukwu Eze, described the congress as a demonstration of unity and cohesion within the party, noting that consensus remains a legitimate democratic option when executives are deemed to have performed effectively.
