Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the immediate past Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, has unveiled a new political platform known as The Progressives Group in a bid to maintain and consolidate his political structure in the state.
At the official launch held in Nsukka, it was revealed that the group draws its membership from a range of registered political parties including the APC, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and others.
Speaking shortly after the unveiling, Dr. Nwoye—who recently resigned from the APC—stated that the group’s goal is to support and promote good governance, especially in Enugu State. He disclosed that his decision to establish the platform came after receiving numerous calls from both his followers and aggrieved members of other political parties who admired his style of politics and sought a new political direction.
“Since I left the APC, I have been receiving calls not just from my former followers in the party but from other aggrieved members of various political parties who believe in my political ideology and want me to lead them to a new political home,” Nwoye explained.
He emphasized that he only resigned from the APC and not from active politics, citing poor party management in the state as the reason for his departure. Hence, he responded to the calls for a new direction by launching The Progressives Group.
Nwoye said the movement commenced in Enugu North Senatorial District due to its progressive political history, recalling that it was this zone that initially gave APC its strength in the state. He referenced prominent politicians from the area such as Barrister Okey Ezea, now a serving Senator under the Labour Party, and the late Senator Ayogu Eze.
He reiterated that the group’s core mission is to pursue a progressive agenda and partner with any administration that prioritizes the development of Enugu State. According to him, the Progressives Group already has a presence in all the 105 political wards and six local government areas of Enugu North Senatorial District.
Key conveners of the group include Dr. Mrs. Oby Ajih, the 2023 APC House of Representatives candidate for Udenu/Igboeze North federal constituency, and Chief Obodoeze Ocho, while Hon. Tony Ibekwe serves as the convener for Enugu West Senatorial Zone.
Nwoye stressed that the platform offers a political home to all politically homeless persons across the three senatorial zones of Enugu State. He noted that despite restricting invitations to just two persons per political ward, the event saw a massive turnout, prompting a change of venue twice for crowd control.
“We want to give our scattered political followers a home. Many have been left homeless politically since my exit from APC, and this movement is to reorganize and give them direction,” he said.
He also criticized the current APC leadership in Enugu State, accusing it of prioritizing suspensions and expulsions over attracting new members.
“It is unfortunate that the new APC Chairman in the state spends more time suspending and expelling members instead of expanding the party’s base,” he remarked.
Nwoye concluded by reaffirming that the group will not function as a parallel government but as a progressive movement supporting any administration that brings tangible benefits to the people.
On whether the group would align with a particular political party, he stated that they are still observing the political space and would make a public decision in due course.
