ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (FN), Prominent politicians and business moguls in Ebonyi State have resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), deepening political uncertainty in the southeast ahead of the 2027 elections.
The resignations came less than a week after Governor Francis Nwifuru convened a consultative stakeholders’ meeting that produced consensus aspirants for National Assembly and House of Assembly seats under APC. Among those who left the party are Chief Christian Asaga Nwali, a well-known business mogul in the state; Chief Chibuike Orogwu, another influential businessman; and Emmanuel Ofoke.
In separate resignation letters, the members cited personal reasons for their decisions. Nwali, in a letter dated May 1, 2026, addressed to the APC ward chairman in Ikwo Local Government Area, said his resignation followed “careful reflection on the developments in the APC.” Orogwu, in his own letter dated March 12, 2026, requested that his name be removed from the party register, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve within the APC.
Meanwhile, Professor Bernard Odoh, the 2023 APGA governorship candidate in Ebonyi and former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, also announced his resignation. In a letter dated May 4, 2026, addressed to the Omege ward chairman of APGA in Ezza North Local Government Area, Odoh explained that he had not been sufficiently abreast of developments in the party as a member of its Board of Trustees. He said his decision was guided by the need to ensure “institutional coherence and effective stewardship,” adding that stepping aside would allow for more engaged leadership within the party structure.
Odoh expressed appreciation to APGA leadership at both state and national levels for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to continue supporting efforts aimed at advancing the unity, stability, and development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
The resignations highlight growing cracks within APC and APGA in Ebonyi, where opposition parties such as the PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, SDP, APGA, ADC, and Peter Obi’s recent party platform are seeking to regain ground. Civil society groups argue that the constant churn of defections and resignations undermines Nigeria’s democratic stability, leaving voters uncertain about party loyalty and accountability.
On social media, reactions have been swift. Some users celebrated the resignations as a sign of resistance to APC’s growing dominance, while others criticized politicians for opportunism. Hashtags like #EbonyiPolitics and #PartyResignations trended among Nigerian commentators, with many calling for reforms to strengthen internal party democracy.
Analysts note that while APC remains Nigeria’s ruling party nationally, cracks at the state level could signal challenges ahead. The developments in Ebonyi underscore the fragility of party structures and the volatility of Nigeria’s political landscape, where loyalty often shifts with changing fortunes.
