By Daniel Whitmore – Political Editor
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Introduction: A Party at a Crossroads
The APC Enugu Dissolution has reignited tensions within the state chapter of Nigeria’s ruling party. The National Working Committee (NWC) on October 9, 2025, announced the dissolution of the elected state executive committee and appointed a seven-man caretaker team led by former chairman Ben Nwoye.
While the decision was defended as a move to restore order, many within the Enugu chapter viewed it as politically motivated and unconstitutional. The fallout has once again highlighted the fragile state of internal democracy within the APC, particularly in the South-East region.
Leadership Under Fire
Critics of the dissolved executive allege that its chairman alienated members through what they described as an “autocratic leadership style.” For months, internal dissent brewed quietly before boiling over with the APC Enugu Dissolution. Some party loyalists see this latest development as “the last kick of a dying horse,” reflecting long-standing divisions and mistrust.
However, loyalists of the former executive insist the NWC’s action was unlawful, pointing to specific sections of the party constitution that require due process before dissolving an elected committee.
They argue that only the National Executive Committee (NEC), after recommendations from the South-East Zonal Executive Committee, could make such a move. This, they say, makes the NWC’s resolution a violation of the APC Constitution (2022 as amended).
Ben Nwoye’s Comeback and Possible Rebirth
Mr. Ben Nwoye, who previously served two terms as the APC State Chairman, had at one time resigned from the party after publicly criticizing its leadership. During his tenure, he rose to become the National Secretary of the Conference of APC State Chairmen, a role that positioned him prominently in the national political landscape.
His sudden return as caretaker chairman after the APC Enugu Dissolution has raised eyebrows, with some interpreting it as a political comeback engineered by national power brokers.
Still, others view his reappointment as an opportunity for renewal. Observers cautiously note that Nwoye’s administrative experience and national exposure could help reposition the Enugu APC for better electoral performance – possibly even securing its first significant wins in future elections if unity is restored.
“This may yet be the beginning of a rebirth for the party, provided lessons from the past are learned,” said one analyst in Enugu.
The Constitutionality Debate
The dissolved Enugu APC executive, in its official statement, described the NWC’s resolution as “unlawful, illegal, and unconstitutional,” vowing to challenge it through internal mechanisms.
According to Articles 21.1 to 21.3 of the APC Constitution, disciplinary actions involving state organs should originate from the zonal committee. The argument from the dissolved executive is that this process was ignored.
Meanwhile, supporters of the NWC argue that extraordinary circumstances justified swift intervention, citing growing discontent among members and alleged exclusion from party affairs.
The Path Forward for APC Enugu
Political observers say the APC Enugu Dissolution is not merely a struggle for control but a reflection of deeper ideological and structural issues within the party’s state chapter.
To regain credibility, analysts suggest that whoever holds leadership – whether caretaker or elected – must understand that power is held in trust for the people. They must adopt an open-door policy, ensure internal inclusiveness, and prioritize transparency in decision-making.
Party unity, they argue, will remain elusive unless fairness and consultation become guiding principles.
Conclusion: Leadership as a Trust
Ultimately, the Enugu APC crisis underscores that leadership in any democratic institution thrives on mutual trust. The APC Enugu Dissolution serves as a test of political maturity – a reminder that every mandate, even within a party, is a trust that must be managed responsibly.
If the new caretaker committee succeeds in reconciling factions and rebuilding confidence, history might judge this dissolution not as a collapse but as a turning point for the APC in Enugu State.
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Daniel Whitmore is GMTNewsng’s Political Editor. He writes on governance, power dynamics, and democratic accountability in Nigeria and Africa. Whitmore is known for his balanced analysis and insightful commentary on party politics and leadership trends.
