In a significant blow to Nigeria's ruling party, a former presidential hopeful has dramatically exited the All Progressives Congress (APC), delivering a scathing indictment of its leadership and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
A Resignation Rooted in Disillusionment
Dr SKC Ogbonnia, a founding member of the APC from Enugu State, formally announced his departure from the party on Tuesday, 14 January 2026. He submitted his resignation letter to the APC chairman of his Owelli/Amoli/Ugbo/Ogugu ward in Awgu Local Government Area.
Ogbonnia stated that his decision followed extensive consultations with his family and political allies, coupled with a deep reflection on Nigeria's current political climate. He expressed profound disappointment, recalling that he joined the APC as a founding member with high hopes for national progress, which have now been dashed.
Catalogue of Grievances Against the Ruling Party
The former aspirant listed a series of fundamental flaws within the APC that forced his exit. He highlighted pervasive undemocratic practices, the imposition of leaders, and the marginalisation of loyal members. Ogbonnia accused the party of engaging in vendetta politics, which he said has crippled internal democracy and stifled growth.
In a sharp critique of recent political trends, Ogbonnia condemned the APC's strategy of mass defections. He argued that the party is actively striving to turn Nigeria into a one-party state by using underhand tactics to weaken opposition parties. Furthermore, he lamented the sidelining of youths in key federal appointments, calling it a disregard for the nation's future.
Tinubu's Leadership Described as a Catastrophic Failure
Ogbonnia saved his most severe criticism for President Bola Tinubu. He labelled Tinubu's government a failure, directly linking its performance to foreign military intervention in Nigeria. He wrote that the President's "inhumane leadership" and nonchalant attitude towards severe security challenges have compromised national sovereignty and invited neocolonial interference.
He also described President Tinubu as a "pariah" among Nigeria's international allies. The former aspirant expressed outrage at the alleged plot to re-nominate Tinubu as the APC's candidate for the 2027 presidential election, calling it a "gross insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians." He declared the president "irredeemable" after failing in critical areas of national development.
"These issues, among many others, have convinced me that the APC, in its current state, does not serve the best interest of my community or Nigeria as a whole," Ogbonnia concluded. He stated he could no longer be associated with a political path that undermines democracy and good governance. Despite his strong criticisms, he ended his letter by extending appreciation to the party and wishing it well in the future.
