Discontent trailed the weekend local government congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the 17 local government areas of Enugu State, as some long-standing party members accused certain stakeholders of hijacking the process.

The aggrieved members alleged that the outcome of the congress violated an earlier power-sharing arrangement reportedly directed by Governor Peter Mbah, particularly the agreed 60–40 sharing ratio among political blocs that recently aligned within the party.

Under the arrangement, at the ward level, 26 executive positions were to be shared, with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) taking 17 slots, while old APC members and defectors from the Labour Party (LP) were to share the remaining nine.

Similarly, at the local government level, PDP members were expected to occupy 17 out of 28 executive committee positions, leaving 11 positions for old APC and LP members.

However, several aggrieved stakeholders claimed that the agreement was allegedly flouted in almost all the LGAs, with PDP members not only retaining principal offices but also taking additional slots allocated to other blocs.

In LGAs such as Enugu South, Oji River, and Igbo-Eze North, sources alleged that PDP members exceeded the agreed number by occupying up to seven additional positions meant for old APC and LP members.

An aggrieved member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the development as “deeply disappointing.”

“Only four of our members were selected, while PDP took all the other positions. I was a former APC chairman in my LGA, yet I was relegated to an ex-officio role. This is sad,” he said.

Another member from Enugu West Senatorial District said his group was unfairly treated.

“We were given just three positions out of the 11 allotted to us. This is not fair. Is this how we intend to work as a team?” he asked.

Further complaints centred on the alleged retention of all principal offices by PDP members, leaving only assistant and less influential roles for old APC and LP members.

Some stakeholders warned that the development undermines the spirit of unity and integration that informed the recent political realignments in the state.

A prominent party stakeholder also questioned why the governor’s directive was allegedly ignored at the local level.

“I am highly disappointed that LGA executive chairmen failed to implement the governor’s instructions. If such directives can be disregarded now, one wonders what will happen after the 2027 elections,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Governor Mbah commended the party for conducting what he described as a peaceful and democratic local government congress.

Also, Chairman of the APC National Panel for Ward and Local Government Congresses in Enugu State, Solomon Funkekeme, praised the exercise, describing it as transparent, peaceful, and worthy of emulation.

“The governor has shown leadership by promoting unity. The conduct of the congress was marvellous, with no dissenting voices. Other local governments should take a cue from Nkanu East to sustain peace and harmony,” he said. (The Guardian)