2 richest men in Aninri join APC, declare support for Nwanjoku, Gov Mbah

The All Progressives Congress (APC’s) drive to capture Enugu State in 2027 has taken new turn in Aninri local government area.

A remote zone, harshly trampled upon by politicians for decades, Aninri was a major stronghold of the dying People’s Democratic Party (PDP). At its peak, PDP was the platform that made figure out of several individuals in Aninri.

The embattled former Senator Ike Ekweremadu went to the House of Senate, and rose in rank to Deputy President in the chamber; late iconic king Igwe Onyioha Nwanjoku served as the party’s state chairman; former Speaker Enugu State House of Assembly Abel Chukwu rose from PDP; Mathias Ekweremadu served in the House of Assembly before being appointed as Commissioner for transportation; Uche Ogbonna rose to served as State Commissioner in three ministries; Prince Okezie Nwanjoku also was appointed as Commissioner for Youths and Sports; Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu was appointed under PDP in 2023 before he defected to APC alongside Governor Peter Mbah late last year.

• “You risk death”, Prince Nwanjoku warns vandals as he reconnects Aninri to national power grids
• Hon. Magnus Edeh unveils new NGO, disburses first ₦7.5M in Aninri

Whether or not APC can enjoy similar acceptance as PDP in Aninri hangs on serious factors. And the council’s Chairman Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku seemed determined to make it happen.

Yesterday, two of Aninri wealthiest persons joined APC. Chief Stephen Chukwuezora (a.k.a Okite) and Chief Sunday Akpaigwe (a.k.a Baba Sunnel) registered as the party’s members, a dramatic move that is already shaping perception in Aninri.

Okite, Aba-based multi-billionaire businessman, has long shown interest in politics. But Baba Sunnel, owner of multinational companies, is the opposite. He has shown no real zeal in public service, but instead has focused maniacally on his growing empire and on philanthropic work.

Now pledging support for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Peter Mbah and Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, the two moguls are significant gain in the party that a lot of people in Igboland hated.

“Prince [Ugochukwu] Nwanjoku is eyeing bigger offices, I can see that; he deserves it,” a prominent stakeholder told InfoWarsHQ in anonymity.

Since taking office in October 2024, Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku had made effort to unite PDP under which platform he climbed to chairmanship in an unprecedented governor’s endorsement that shocked the so-called Aninri power brokers. Now that PDP is left to die, the chairman focuses in building APC with the same craftsmanship of an “evil genius”.

According to analysts, Aninri political structures are already in his palms. And bringing Okite and Baba Sunnel on board is an apt measure not only to consolidate power but also to weaken any possible opposition in the future. Gradually, but surely APC is taking roots in Aninri.