The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nkpologu Ward, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, has suspended former Senator Chukwuka Utazi from the party. Senator Utazi, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District from 2015 to 2023, defected to the APC in March 2024 after decades of political engagement under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He had explained that his decision to join the APC was motivated by his belief that the party offered a better platform for achieving the long-desired Igbo Presidency.
Despite his recent alignment with the APC, party leaders in his ward accused him of acting against the interests of the party. In a letter addressed to the APC State Chairman, Barrister Ugochukwu Agballah, the leadership of the Uzo-Uwani chapter highlighted several infractions allegedly committed by Utazi. The letter was signed by the APC Local Government Chairman, Chief Chris Ajodo; the Local Government Secretary, Hon. Pius Diara; and Nkpologu Ward Chairman, Hon. Albert Aniebonam.
The complaint that triggered the suspension reportedly originated from his Nkpologu Ward and pointed to various instances of anti-party behavior. These included his alleged involvement in PDP zonal meetings, his public endorsement of Governor Peter Mbah for a second term in 2027, and multiple interviews where he was said to have criticized and undermined the Enugu State APC. Party officials claimed these accusations were supported by online video clips that showed the senator participating in activities deemed unfavorable to his new party.
Upon receiving the petition, the Uzo-Uwani APC leadership established a three-member disciplinary panel on April 8, 2025. The senator was officially informed and invited to appear before the committee. However, he reportedly failed to attend or respond to the summons. Despite his absence, the committee went ahead with a detailed investigation and concluded that the allegations had merit. Their final report described his behavior as deeply disappointing and inconsistent with the values expected from a loyal member of the party.
The disciplinary committee submitted its findings on April 12, 2025, accompanied by documented evidence, including video recordings. Following a unanimous vote, the local government executive body adopted the committee’s recommendation and confirmed the indefinite suspension of Senator Utazi from the APC. The decision, according to the party, aligns with the provisions of the APC Constitution and serves as a disciplinary measure for conduct deemed harmful to the party’s image and unity.
The letter confirming the suspension was also forwarded to Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, who is the APC leader in the state. The party emphasized that the suspension was not arbitrary but followed due process, in line with internal rules and disciplinary procedures.
