A wave of controversy has hit Enugu State following allegations that the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Jude Asogwa, directed council workers to compulsorily register with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The allegation was raised on Monday by a social media influencer, Sen. Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, who made the claim in a Facebook post. Ugwuanyi described the alleged directive as a violation of workers’ rights and freedom of conscience.
According to him, both teaching and non-teaching staff in Nsukka LGA were instructed to report to Adada Hall for APC electronic registration. The workers were reportedly asked to present their National Identification Number (NIN), voters’ cards, and bank account details.
Ugwuanyi alleged that the exercise was declared mandatory, with implied threats of intimidation, victimization, and possible job loss for workers who failed to comply.
He also shared a message said to have been circulated to head teachers, stating that all teaching and non-teaching staff across Nsukka Local Government and its development centers must attend the registration by 9 a.m. The message further directed schools to arrange staff attendance in batches to ensure pupils were not left unsupervised.
Condemning the alleged order, Ugwuanyi argued that no government has the legal or moral right to compel civil servants to join a political party as a condition for retaining their employment. He warned that political affiliation should be based on personal conviction, not fear or coercion, adding that the move could be linked to efforts to boost party membership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Newssphere spoke with some primary school teachers under the local government who confirmed that the directive was circulated.
One of the teachers, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimization, said preparations were already underway to attend the exercise.
“Yes, it’s true. My head teacher has already informed us to ensure we go. The information is also on our WhatsApp platform,” she said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Chairman of the Nsukka Local Government Area had not publicly reacted to the allegations.
