The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has vehemently refuted claims made by Anambra-born businessman, Arthur Eze, regarding an alleged endorsement of Governor Peter Mbah for a second term by President Bola Tinubu. Eze, the Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, made the assertion during the second anniversary celebration of Mbah’s administration, stating that Tinubu had backed Mbah due to his perceived character and honesty. The APC, however, dismissed Eze’s comments as misleading, baseless, and driven by self-interest, emphasizing that Eze lacks the authority to speak for the President. The party highlighted Eze’s previous opposition to Tinubu’s presidential candidacy, casting doubt on the veracity of his current claims. They further stressed that Tinubu has made no such endorsement, public or private, for any governor seeking re-election, including Governor Mbah.
The APC’s statement, issued by its Publicity Secretary, Titus Ezeagu, characterized Eze’s pronouncements as opportunistic and disingenuous, given his past political stance against Tinubu. The party accused Eze of attempting to manipulate the democratic process in Enugu State by spreading what they termed “cheap propaganda.” They called upon Eze to focus on his business endeavors rather than interfering in political matters and potentially damaging the President’s image both domestically and internationally. The APC reiterated that the only legitimate endorsement for a second term would come through the ballot box, not through unsubstantiated claims by individuals lacking the authority to make such pronouncements.
The controversy surrounding Eze’s statement underscores the political dynamics in Enugu State, where Mbah, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), currently holds the governorship. As the only PDP governor in the South-East region, Mbah is considered a key figure within the party. Eze’s purported endorsement, therefore, carries significant political weight, potentially influencing public perception and bolstering Mbah’s standing. However, the APC’s swift and categorical rejection of Eze’s claims aims to neutralize any potential advantage Mbah might gain from such an endorsement, particularly given its alleged source’s questionable credibility within the ruling party.
The APC further emphasized that Eze’s actions appear to bolster Mbah’s administration, which they describe as “anti-people,” using the President’s name without authorization. This attempt to link Mbah with Tinubu, according to the APC, is a deliberate tactic to undermine the democratic process in Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole. The party maintains that such tactics are designed to mislead the electorate and create a false impression of support for Mbah’s governance. By discrediting Eze’s claims and highlighting his past opposition to Tinubu, the APC seeks to portray the alleged endorsement as a calculated move to manipulate public opinion rather than a genuine reflection of presidential support.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the APC reaffirmed its commitment to providing the people of Enugu State with a credible political alternative. The party, under the leadership of Chief Uche Nwakaibie, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, pledged to support Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and offer voters a viable option to the current PDP-led administration. This statement signals the APC’s intention to actively challenge Mbah’s incumbency and present a strong opposition in the upcoming gubernatorial race. By emphasizing their commitment to the democratic process and rejecting any attempts to circumvent it through unsubstantiated endorsements, the APC aims to position itself as the party of integrity and accountability.
In essence, the APC’s response to Arthur Eze’s claims underscores the ongoing political contestation in Enugu State. The party’s rejection of the alleged endorsement, coupled with its critique of Mbah’s governance and its commitment to providing an alternative for the electorate, sets the stage for a potentially fierce political battle in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. The controversy also highlights the importance of credible endorsements and the potential for manipulation and misinformation in the political landscape. The APC’s firm stance against such tactics underlines its determination to ensure a fair and transparent democratic process in Enugu State.
