Ahead of the national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) scheduled to hold in Abuja on Saturday, Dr. Ben Nwoye has emerged as the consensus candidate for the position of Deputy National Chairman (South).
Nwoye, a former elected chairman and immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in Enugu State, was widely considered the frontrunner for the position, which is zoned to the state.
His emergence followed a series of consultations reportedly guided by a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A source at the party’s National Secretariat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the consensus arrangement had already secured presidential backing.
“The issue of Deputy National Chairman (South) of our great party has long been resolved,” the source said, adding that the zoning formula empowered governors to determine candidates for positions allocated to their respective states.
The source further noted that Emma Eneukwu stood little chance, as governors were given the authority to decide who fills positions zoned to their states.
Describing Nwoye as a seasoned party figure, the source said his candidacy enjoyed broad acceptance within party ranks, particularly with the backing of Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
“Ben Nwoye is an astute party man, and accepting his candidacy came without much difficulty. His governor, Peter Mbah, was firm in his choice. This once again demonstrates that the APC is organised and capable of reconciling diverse interests,” the source added.
Recall that the race for the position had intensified amid alleged attempts by external interests to influence candidates for offices zoned to Enugu State. However, party insiders revealed that Governor Mbah’s intervention helped solidify the decision within the state’s leadership, effectively neutralising external pressures and clearing the path for Nwoye’s emergence.
