By Our Correspondent
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has come under criticism following what many describe as an “unprovoked media onslaught” against Senator Victor Umeh, a former national chairman of the party and one of its most recognisable political figures.
The controversy was sparked by statements attributed to APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ejimofor Opara — who also serves as media aide to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo — in which Senator Umeh was reportedly targeted.
The remarks have drawn backlash from political observers, party loyalists, and members of the public, many of whom recall Umeh’s pivotal role in building and defending APGA over the years.
Senator Umeh, who represented Anambra Central in the 8th and now 10th Senate, is credited with steering the party through multiple electoral victories, including the 2021 governorship election that brought Governor Soludo to power.
Critics describe the latest development as “political ingratitude,” accusing the governor’s media team of openly attacking a man widely regarded as “Papa APGA” and “Soul of the Party.”
Recounting events from the 2021 governorship race, stakeholders recalled that at a time when APGA’s fortunes seemed uncertain, Umeh convened a meeting of key party figures at his Aguluzigbo country home to rally support for Soludo.
Following a contentious primary election, he chaired the party’s reconciliation committee, working to unite aggrieved members.
Umeh also served as state collation agent during the tense Ihiala supplementary election, personally entering the area despite security concerns.
Eyewitnesses recall him confronting the then General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, in defence of the electoral process.
His intervention, according to party insiders, helped secure APGA’s victory, after which Umeh delivered the results in person to Soludo at his Isuofia residence.
Relations between the two men soured in 2022 when Umeh, citing internal injustice, left APGA after being denied the party’s senatorial ticket.
He subsequently joined the Labour Party at the invitation of former Governor Peter Obi, with whom he shared long-standing political ties.
The two campaigned vigorously for the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, although their presidential bid was unsuccessful.
Against this backdrop, Soludo’s aides have been accused of circulating edited clips of Umeh’s past remarks in a bid to create friction between him and Obi.
Umeh’s camp insists he has never opposed Obi’s presidential ambitions, citing his open support in 2015, 2019, and 2023.
Political commentators have urged Governor Soludo to rein in his media team and focus on governance, particularly in light of persistent security challenges and the forthcoming governorship election in three months.
“Ingratitude is not a virtue,” a statement from the Ohamadike Media Team read, warning against “media bullying” of political figures who have not engaged in open hostilities with the governor.
As at press time, APGA’s media office had yet to issue an official response to the growing criticism.
