The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (representing Abia South), demanding he publicly clarify his alleged ties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or face disciplinary action from the party.
APGA accuses Abaribe of promoting another party
In a strongly worded statement released after a caucus meeting held in Umuahia on Tuesday night, APGA accused Senator Abaribe of abandoning the party under whose platform he was re-elected in 2023. The statement, signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Chukwuemeka Nwokoro, expressed concern over what it described as the senator’s “romance” with the ADC.
According to the party, Abaribe has been “hobnobbing” with ADC leaders and organizing events that appear to promote the rival party. APGA specifically cited two meetings held at the senator’s event center in Aba—one on August 18 and another on September 23—as well as a radio programme in which the Abia ADC Secretary reportedly described Abaribe as not only a member but the leader of ADC in the state.
“These actions are not only suspicious but constitute a gross violation of the APGA constitution,” the party said.
Legal and constitutional implications
In its statement, APGA emphasized that Nigerian law prohibits an individual from belonging to two political parties simultaneously. The party accused Abaribe of attempting to hold dual party membership, which it described as unethical and unlawful.
“Extant laws forbid a person from belonging to two political parties at the same time,” the statement read. “Senator Abaribe cannot belong to APGA and ADC simultaneously.”
The party demanded that Abaribe issue a public denial or clarification within 24 hours through both print and electronic media, failing which “prompt disciplinary action” would be taken against him.
Abaribe’s camp responds to allegations
Reacting to the ultimatum, Abaribe’s media aide, Uchenna Awom, dismissed APGA’s threats as premature and based on rumors. According to him, the party had failed to follow proper channels before resorting to public accusations.
“Senator Abaribe is alive and well. As APGA’s leader in Abia, the party has all the channels to reach him directly,” Awom said. “They should write to him and hear from him directly instead of dwelling on rumours and issuing ultimatums.”
Awom also suggested that the party’s actions amounted to political pressure and attempted blackmail.
“Has he communicated to them that he has left APGA?” Awom asked rhetorically. “They shouldn’t engage in arm-twisting to extract words from him.”
Abaribe’s political journey
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe is one of Nigeria’s longest-serving senators, having first entered the upper legislative chamber in 2007 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He won three consecutive re-elections under the PDP before defecting to APGA in 2023, where he successfully secured his fifth term.
His switch to APGA was seen as a major boost to the party’s credibility in the Southeast, particularly in Abia State. Abaribe has long positioned himself as a key political figure in the region, known for his vocal positions on national issues and his influence within Igbo political circles.
Uncertainty looms over Abaribe’s next political move
As of now, Senator Abaribe has not issued a public response to the allegations or clarified whether he intends to remain in APGA or formally defect to the ADC. Political observers suggest that if the allegations prove true, it could signal a new alignment within Abia’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
The situation also raises questions about the stability of APGA in the state, especially if internal divisions deepen or result in high-profile defections.
Conclusion
With the 24-hour ultimatum now ticking, all eyes are on Senator Abaribe. Whether he chooses to reaffirm his loyalty to APGA or formally announce a shift to ADC could significantly impact political dynamics in Abia State. For now, the ball is in his court — and the party faithful, as well as political analysts, await his next move.
