CLAPPING WITH ONE HAND: How The Journey of APC in Enugu State Reminds us that “Paul planted, Apollos Watered, but God gave the increase"
In a political earthquake that has reshaped the landscape of Enugu State, every single member of the House of Representatives from the state now stands under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is not a sudden rupture, but the culmination of a strategic, years-in-the-making realignment. This piece traces the journey of this historic mass defection; from its quiet, grassroots beginnings to its stunning culmination on the national stage.
For years, a persistent narrative held sway in the Southeast: that the APC was a party alien to Igbo interests. But while many were swayed by this delusion, a few clear-eyed individuals saw the bigger picture for Nigeria and made the courageous decision to board the moving train. The likes of Rochas Okorocha, the late Ogbonnaya Onu, Dave Umahi and Hope Uzodimma were the progressives that gave the party the needed posture in the South East.
In Enugu, the party was built on the resilient backs of its founding fathers and mothers, a symbiotic fusion of legacy parties. They bore the light of the party from its inception, often against overwhelming odds.
Recall that APC was formed at the National level by collapsing ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of APGA led by Rochas Okorocha. The merger of these parties birthed APC. Below were the structure and actors that came together in the early days of the party in Enugu State.
· Joy Ebeh (Interim State Chairman, ANPP)
· AC Udeh (Interim Deputy Chairman, ACN)
· Ben Nwoye (Chairman, ACN)
· Gen. Chris Eze (Secretary, ACN)
· Emma Eneukwu (Zonal Vice Chairman, ANPP)
· Lolo Queen Nwankwo (Women Leader, ACN)
· Dr. Basil Chukwu (Financial Secretary, ANPP)
· Chief Mrs. Kate (Publicity Secretary, ANPP)
· JOJ Okoloagu &
. Barr. Mrs. VN Chukwuani (Board of Trustees Members)
These pioneers, among many others, kept APC strong at the centre but weak in the State. In fact, many saw APC under some of these actors as appendages of the PDP government in Enugu State; as it were. Both Governors Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of PDP freely controlled what was happening in APC.
However, the 2023 general elections marked a critical juncture. The first spark of what was to come was ignited by the former Minister of Science and Technology, Hon. Chief Uche Nnaji (Nwakaibeya). He made a statement that would prove prophetic, unequivocally vowing to synergize with the state executive of the APC led by Barr. Ugo Agballah to build the party into a platform "that no one would dare want to come in contest with." In one of his campaigns in Ezeagu, Chief Nnaji prophetically said that “a day would come when all these people that hate APC will come in and start fighting to be part of this party”. Yes. It finally happened. The Governor of Enugu State, H.E Peter Mbah and the entire structure of PDP collapsed dramatically into APC in October 2025.
Nwakaibeya embarked on a course of remodelling, taking the party to enviable heights through grassroots-oriented campaigns. He consolidated the existing structure and filled the lacunae, revitalizing the party's lost glory in Enugu State with passion and results-driven policies. His work transformed the APC into an attractive, viable alternative. Expectedly, some moles were sent packing and double standards ended in the State.
This revitalization, set the stage for history. In an awe-inspiring move, the first cracks appeared in the opposition's wall when Hon. Sunday Umeha, representing Udi-Ezeagu federal constituency, announced his defection to the APC on the floor of the House of Representatives, a first in the history of APC in Enugu State’s political history. Chief Uche Nnaji and Barr Agballah made it happen. A month later, on June 24, 2025, Hon. Prof. Paul Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, followed suit. The political shockwave intensified just two days later when Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, widely regarded as young and dynamic, joined the ruling APC.
These defections were seen as a major blow to the LP and a stunning validation of the APC's growing appeal in Enugu and the South East. With this, APC effectively stopped clapping with one hand in the state and another at the Federal.
Unfortunately, with the resignation of Chief Nwakaibeya as a Minister and the subsequent dissolution of the Party structure led by Barr Agballah, Hon Ben Nwoye who was leading a faction of the Party emerged as the new caretaker committee Chairman. Off course, Ben Nwoye is royal to the Governor.
History has since proven them right. Just four months later, under the watchful eyes and persuasive leadership of President Tinubu, the political tide in Enugu shifted completely. On October 30, 2025, the remaining Enugu lawmakers in the House of Representatives were formally received into the APC. The new entrants were:
· Hon. Nnolim Nnaji
· Hon. Chidi Obetta
· Hon. Martins Oke
· Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu
· Hon. Denis Agbo
The realignment was complete.
In the light of these chronicles, one remarkable truth stands out: everyone who played a part in the political journey of the APC, from the pioneering founders to the visionary revitalizers, was instrumental in forming the "bride" that the whole of Enugu State now adores.
It is a clear case of "Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." The inputs of the founding structures, the strategic leadership of Barr. Ugo Agballa, and the transformative work of Hon. Uche Nnaji Nwakaibeya made the party an adorable bride that ultimately attracted the likes of Governor Peter Mbah, Senator Kelvin Chukwu, and the entire House of Representatives caucus.
The question that once lingered has now been answered. As Enugu State stands united under the APC umbrella, can we now give due credit to the men when made those tough calls and the Apollos that Watered. I think we can.
