Labour Minister Dismisses Anti-Party Allegation

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, has dismissed the allegations of anti-party activities levelled against her by All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain in Abia State, Chief William Nwanguma.

Onyejeocha had allegedly expressed support for Governor Otti re-election during an event held at Umunneochi, in Abia State.

However, Onyejeocha maintained that her comments were taken out of context and that governance should not be confined to party lines.

“I was invited to the event, and I attended. If they invite me, I should not come?” Onyejeocha questioned.

“Did they not hear when I said Otti should deliver the President in 2027?”.

Onyejeocha explained that the Governor had completed a 12km road in her ward, which she had already worked on for 8km. She insisted that Nwanguma’s motives were questionable, given that he is not from Umunneochi but from Ukwa East.

The state APC Chairman, Kingsley Ononogbu, stated that the party was unaware of the petition and expressed concerns about individuals assuming power and responsibility within the party.

Recall that Chief Williams Nwanguma, had petitioned the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, over alleged anti-party activities by Onyejeocha, in Abia State.

In the petition, titled: “Petition Against the Anti-Party Activity of Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha: The Honorable Minister of State for Labour and Employment,” Chief Nwaguma accused the minister of openly canvassing support for Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who is not a member of the APC.

According to Chief Nwaguma, at a state road flag-off event in Umunneochi Local Government Area on February 28, 2025, Hon. Onyejeocha publicly endorsed Governor Alex Otti’s re-election and urged the traditional rulers and residents of Umunneochi to support his second-term bid.

Chief Nwaguma expressed deep concern over the Minister’s actions, 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.”

The APC chieftain further warned that if the party fails to condemn and sanction the Minister’s conduct, it could have negative consequences for the APC’s performance in the 2027 general elections.

“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.”

“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.”

Chief Nwanguma however called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, through the National Chairman’s office, to objectively investigate the matter and impose appropriate sanctions if the allegations are found to be true.