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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr Sebastine Okafor, has described the immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in the state, Ben Nwoye, as a formidable grassroots politician who transformed the party’s fortunes.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday on the recently concluded APC congresses in Enugu State and the party’s future direction, Okafor said Nwoye rescued the APC from imminent collapse and repositioned it for growth.
He noted that Nwoye took what he termed a “major political risk” by persuading Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to join the APC, a move he said many initially dismissed as unrealistic.
“I thank God for the gift of Dr Ben Nwoye to APC Enugu State. He came, saw and conquered. When it was clear that the party was heading towards political decline, he intervened decisively. He took one of the biggest political risks by reaching out to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to join the APC. Many people considered it impossible and even foolish at the time, but he remained focused and intentional about what the party needed,” Okafor said.
According to him, Nwoye committed his time, energy and resources to strengthening the party and ensuring unity ahead of the congresses. He added that the former caretaker chairman demonstrated resilience in the face of internal challenges and external scepticism.
Okafor further praised Nwoye’s leadership style, saying he carried stakeholders along throughout the transition process that culminated in successful congresses across the state.
“For the first time in Enugu State, the media and other political actors were positively disposed towards the APC. That was not accidental. It happened because the party had a leader who understands grassroots politics and inclusive leadership. He engaged everyone and responded to issues with commitment,” he stated.
On Nwoye’s next political move, Okafor suggested that the former state party leader would be better suited for a national assignment within the APC structure.
He argued that as a foundation member of the party, former state chairman and ex-secretary of the Forum of APC State Chairmen, Nwoye possesses deep knowledge of national party politics and is well-positioned to advance the APC’s national agenda.
Okafor also commended Governor Mbah for supporting Nwoye’s leadership of the party in the state, despite opposition from certain quarters, noting that such loyalty and reciprocity are hallmarks of effective leadership.
