There is tension in Obinagu Uwani community in Akpugo Ward 1 following allegations that the Ward Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Johnson Chukwudi Nnamani, allegedly stole building materials from the ongoing Smart School project in the area. The incident, which reportedly occurred on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, has sparked outrage among residents and party stakeholders.
Mr. Nnamani, who recently emerged as Chairman during the just-concluded ward congress of the ruling party, is accused of carting away several bags of cement and various sizes of reinforcement rods meant for the drainage system along the road construction leading to the Obinagu Uwani Smart Green School. The project is being executed by the local government council as part of ongoing infrastructure development efforts.
According to a concerned youth in the ward who spoke on condition of anonymity, the suspect allegedly transported the materials to his residence in Ameke village, Obinagu Uwani community. Following a search, the materials were reportedly recovered from his country home. Sources further revealed that the storekeeper attached to the project, said to be of Hausa origin, is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
As of press time, Mr. Nnamani is said to be on the run, with security agencies intensifying efforts to apprehend him.
The development has triggered widespread condemnation within the community, particularly given the sensitivity of the Smart School project, which is viewed as a flagship educational and infrastructural intervention in the state. Stakeholders argue that if the allegations are proven true, it would represent not only an act of sabotage against public infrastructure but also a betrayal of public trust.
Political analysts note that the incident could have far-reaching implications for the reputation of the state government led by Peter Mbah, especially if investigations establish culpability. As the face of governance in the state, the governor’s administration could face criticism over internal party discipline and oversight, particularly as the accused is a recently elected ward chairman of the ruling party.
For the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State, the scandal threatens to undermine its integrity narrative and weaken public confidence at the grassroots level. Observers warn that any confirmed wrongdoing may provide political opponents with ammunition to question the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability, particularly in projects directly tied to community development.
Many residents have described the alleged act as an attempt to frustrate the development strides of the state government. Community leaders insist that integrity must remain the watchword for political office holders, especially those entrusted with party leadership at the ward level.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the matter. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspect remains at large
