A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Williams Nwanguma, has petitioned the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, accusing the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, of engaging in anti-party activities.
In the petition, titled “Petition Against the Anti-Party Activity of Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha: The Honorable Minister of State for Labour and Employment,” Chief Nwanguma alleged that the minister openly campaigned for the re-election of Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, who is not a member of the APC.
According to him, at a road project flag-off event in Umunneochi Local Government Area on February 28, 2025, Hon. Onyejeocha publicly endorsed Governor Otti and urged traditional rulers and residents of the area to support his second-term bid.
Chief Nwanguma described the Minister’s actions as embarrassing and a betrayal of the APC, stating:
“The Governor of Abia State, not being a member of APC, makes the above call for re-election support by no less a person than a former Deputy Chief Whip of the 9th House of Representatives and a sitting member of the Federal Executive Council highly embarrassing to me and other well-meaning members of the party in the state and across the nation.”
He warned that failing to take disciplinary action against Hon. Onyejeocha could damage the APC’s chances in the 2027 general elections, portraying the party’s Abia chapter as unserious about winning at both the state and national levels.
> “It will paint a picture of a state chapter that is not serious about winning local and national elections, thereby subjecting our party to ridicule, contempt, and disrepute.”
Chief Nwanguma emphasized that the APC in Abia is gaining momentum, with key opposition figures defecting to the party in an effort to unseat Governor Otti. However, he accused the governor of factionalizing the Labour Party and personalizing governance.
“It is sad, disheartening, and unacceptable for a high-ranking APC member like the Honorable Minister to not only entertain such thoughts but also publicly express support for a rival party’s candidate. Her actions are a direct betrayal of the efforts by APC leaders, stakeholders, and members who are working hard to strengthen the party in Abia State.”
He called on the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to investigate the allegations and apply necessary sanctions to serve as a deterrent to others who might engage in similar acts of disloyalty ahead of the 2027 elections.
The petition is expected to generate significant reactions within the APC, especially in Abia State, as party members await the response of the national leadership.