Immediate past Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, has launched a new political platform named The Progressives Group, drawing membership from various registered political parties, including the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Labour Party (LP), among others.
Speaking during the official launch of the group, Nwoye—who recently resigned from the APC—said the platform aims to support and promote good governance in Enugu State and beyond.
“Since I left the APC, I’ve received calls not only from my followers within the party but also from aggrieved members of other political parties who appreciated my style of politics and urged me to lead them into a new political home,” he said.
“Because I did not resign from active politics but only from the APC due to how it was being run in Enugu State, I decided to heed those calls. That is why we are here today to officially unveil The Progressives Group—a platform for good governance.”
Nwoye noted that the movement was launched in Enugu North Senatorial District due to its history of progressive political engagement.
He said Nsukka was deliberately chosen as the starting point, as the district gave the APC its initial foothold in the state.
He explained that The Progressives Group already has structures in all 105 political wards and six local government areas of Enugu North, with Dr. Mrs. Oby Ajih, the 2023 APC House of Representatives candidate for Udenu/Igboeze North Federal Constituency, and Chief Obodoeze Ocho serving as conveners. Hon. Tony Ibekwe is the Convener for Enugu West Senatorial Zone.
“With this initiative, we are providing a political home for those who have felt politically homeless across Enugu State’s three senatorial zones,” Nwoye said. “You can see the large turnout here today, despite our decision to limit invitations to just two persons per political ward.”
He further criticized the current leadership of the APC in Enugu State, saying: “It is unfortunate that the new APC Chairman has spent more time suspending and expelling members rather than growing the party. This group welcomes all who have been expelled, suspended, or disenchanted. Our doors are open.”
Nwoye emphasized that the group’s focus is not to form a parallel government but to champion a progressive agenda that supports any administration committed to development and the welfare of the people.
“Our goal is to galvanize support for good governance in Enugu State. If the government is progressive and working for the benefit of the people, we will support it,” he said.
On the question of which political party the group may eventually align with, Nwoye said consultations are ongoing and a decision would be announced at the appropriate time.