South-East APC Faces Internal Struggles as Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu and Governor Hope Uzodinma Clash Over Key Appointments

Ben Kalu and Hope Uzodinma

A growing internal rift threatens the stability of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s South-East as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, lock horns over appointments into the newly established South-East Development Commission (SEDC). This power tussle has brought to light deep divisions within the party’s regional leadership.

Presidential Intervention Sparks Controversy

President Bola Tinubu recently amended a list of nominees for the SEDC board less than 24 hours after its initial release, underscoring the intense rivalry between the two APC heavyweights. The revised list, announced through Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, replaced Hon. Emeka Atuma, who was initially named Chairman, with Barr. Emeka Nworgu (PhD).

The reshuffle has been widely attributed to lobbying efforts by Kalu, who reportedly pushed for candidates aligned with his interests, overriding the preferences of Uzodinma and the APC’s South-East leadership.

Competing Interests Emerge

Sources close to the matter revealed that Atuma’s nomination was part of a list endorsed by Governor Uzodinma and the APC South-East hierarchy. However, Kalu is said to have intervened, influencing President Tinubu to replace several names with individuals loyal to him. These include Barr. Emeka Nworgu as Chairman, Stanley Ohajuruka as Executive Director of Finance, and Toby Okechukwu as Executive Director of Projects.

“The initial list reflected Governor Uzodinma’s recommendations,” an insider disclosed. “But the Deputy Speaker successfully lobbied the President to accommodate his own nominees, creating a new power dynamic.”

Implications for Party Unity

The reshuffle has reportedly alienated other South-East stakeholders, with Kalu’s unilateral approach raising concerns about the exclusion of broader regional interests. Observers fear this dispute could undermine the commission’s mandate to drive development in the region, as well as weaken the APC’s political cohesion in the South-East.

Governor Uzodinma’s camp has expressed discontent over the changes, viewing them as an affront to his leadership. Meanwhile, Kalu’s supporters argue that the Deputy Speaker’s influence ensures a broader representation of South-East interests.

Revised SEDC Board

Under the revised appointments, the SEDC board now includes:

  • Chairman: Barr. Emeka Nworgu
  • Executive Director of Finance: Stanley Ohajuruka
  • Executive Director of Projects: Toby Okechukwu
  • Executive Director of Corporate Services: Chief Sylvester Okonkwo
  • Executive Directors Without Portfolio: Chidi Echeazu and Dr. Clifford Ogbede

President Tinubu retained several nominees from the original list, including Barr. Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Ezenwa, and Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, while emphasizing that all appointments remain subject to Senate confirmation.

Looking Ahead

As the SEDC prepares to begin its work, the ongoing power struggle casts a shadow over its operations. Stakeholders have urged both Kalu and Uzodinma to set aside their differences and prioritize the commission’s mission of fostering growth and development in the South-East. Whether these leaders can reconcile their competing interests will likely determine the APC’s future influence in the region.


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