A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in Enugu State, Ben Nwoye, has officially announced his intention to contest for the position of Deputy National Chairman (South) at the party’s upcoming national convention.

Nwoye made the declaration in a telephone interview on Sunday, where he also introduced key members of his campaign team and outlined plans to strengthen the APC across Southern Nigeria.

He disclosed that Timothy Amah has been appointed as Director-General of his campaign, while other coordinators have been designated for all six geopolitical zones. “Hon. Timothy Amah will serve as DG of the campaign team. I’ve also appointed directors for the six geopolitical zones as well as Directors-General for youth and women mobilisation,” Nwoye said.

The former state party chairman added that his campaign office in Abuja is fully operational as consultations continue ahead of the convention. “Our campaign office is up and running in Abuja. We’re committed to serving the good people of APC and supporting the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates,” he stated.

Nwoye said his ambition is motivated by a desire to strengthen the party’s structure in Southern Nigeria and deliver electoral victories for the ruling party. “We’ll use our network to mobilise the entire South,” he noted.

He appealed to party leaders and stakeholders nationwide for support, emphasising that unity would be crucial for defeating opposition parties in future elections. “I’m calling on all governors, National Assembly members, and every APC member to come together so we can build a strong team to decisively defeat the opposition in the South,” he said.

The politician revealed that he and his team would soon collect the party’s nomination forms to formally enter the race. “We’ll be picking up our forms shortly. I’m confident of the support from my state and also seek the backing of APC members nationwide,” Nwoye added.

Reflecting on his experience within the party, Nwoye said his years of leadership roles have prepared him for the national position. “We have the experience and exposure, having served as state party chairman and Secretary of the Forum of APC State Chairmen for eight years,” he said.

He also highlighted his recent role as caretaker committee chairman in Enugu State, which he said helped restore unity within the party and ensured a smooth internal process. “I returned as caretaker committee chairman to unite the party and conduct the most peaceful state congress. I believe it’s time to serve the party at a higher level,” Nwoye said.

The APC is expected to hold its national convention later this month.