The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State has announced the indefinite suspension of former Senator Chuka Utazi, citing anti-party activities as the reason for the disciplinary action.
Senator Utazi, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District from 2015 to 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had defected to the APC in 2024. His recent actions, however, have drawn sharp rebuke from party officials at the grassroots level.
In a formal notification to the Enugu State APC Chairman, Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah, dated April 12, 2025, and jointly signed by Chief Chris Ajodo (APC Chairman, Uzo-Uwani LGA), Hon. Pius Diara (Secretary), and Hon. Albert Aniebonam (Chairman, Nkpologu Ward), the party alleged that the former senator was involved in a series of infractions deemed detrimental to the APC.
Key Allegations Against Senator Utazi
According to the letter, the suspension stemmed from a petition originating from Utazi’s Nkpologu ward, which accused him of:
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Participating in PDP’s Enugu North Zonal Chapter meetings,
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Endorsing Governor Peter Mbah for a second term ahead of the 2027 elections,
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Publicly criticizing and de-marketing the APC in Enugu State via interviews and media appearances.
The party claims these allegations were substantiated by video evidence shared online, which was attached to the petition and forwarded to the state party leadership, including Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, and APC leader in the state.
Due Process Followed
In response to the petition, the Uzo-Uwani APC on April 8, 2025, constituted a three-man disciplinary committee to investigate the matter. Senator Utazi was officially notified of the allegations and invited to appear before the committee. However, the party says the former senator failed to honour the invitation.
Despite his absence, the committee proceeded with its inquiry and found Utazi guilty of all charges. The findings were described as “highly disappointing, repugnant, and unbecoming of a bona fide member of the APC.”
Following the submission of the committee’s report on April 12, the Local Government Executive Committee reviewed the evidence and unanimously approved the recommendation to suspend Senator Utazi indefinitely.
Party Cites Constitutional Backing
The APC emphasized that the action taken is in accordance with the party’s constitution, which upholds discipline and loyalty as core values.
“Upon careful examination of the Disciplinary Committee’s report, including enclosed video evidence, the Uzo-Uwani APC Executive endorsed the indefinite suspension of former Senator Chuka Utazi for anti-party activity, in line with the Constitution of our great party,” the notification read.
As of the time of filing this report, Senator Utazi has not made any public comment in response to the suspension.
