President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s rapid reshuffling of nominees for the South East Development Commission (SEDC) within just 24 hours has revealed a growing power struggle between Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
On Friday, Tinubu announced the initial list of SEDC board nominees via a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The list featured Hon. Emeka Atuma as the Chairman. However, by Saturday, a revised list emerged, replacing Atuma with Barrister Emeka Nworgu, PhD, as Chairman. This unexpected change has triggered speculation about internal conflicts and a behind-the-scenes battle for control over key appointments.
According to sources close to the matter, the original list reflected the preferences of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in the South East, which is largely aligned with Governor Uzodinma. The Imo State Governor had reportedly endorsed Atuma and other nominees from the region, signaling his influence over the appointments. However, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who is also from the South East, allegedly lobbied to have the list altered to reflect his own choices.
“There’s a supremacy battle going on about the appointments. The initial list containing Emeka Atuma’s name was submitted by Gov. Hope Uzodinma and the APC South East leadership. However, for unknown reasons, Benjamin Kalu influenced changes to the list to include his own candidates,” a source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed to SaharaReporters.
The revised list, which now includes Kalu’s preferred candidates, reportedly sidelines the recommendations of other South East stakeholders. Among the new appointments are Barr. Emeka Nworgu as Chairman, Stanley Ohajuruka as Executive Director of Finance, Clifford Ogbede as Executive Director, and Toby Okechukwu—Kalu’s Chief of Staff—as Executive Director of Projects.
Additionally, several other positions on the board were adjusted in the reshuffle. Notably, Anthony Ugbo, Obinna Obiekweihe, and Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja were replaced, while a number of other original nominees were retained.
It remains to be seen whether these appointments will face opposition in the Senate, as they are still subject to confirmation. The rapid reshuffling and the speculation surrounding the power struggle in the South East could signal deeper political dynamics within the APC, with the balance of influence between key figures like Uzodinma and Kalu yet to be fully resolved.
