Ngige's Bold Move: Former Anambra Governor Attends APC Meeting Hours After Prison Release

A dramatic turn of events unfolded in Abuja on Thursday as former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, made a surprise appearance at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus meeting, just hours after his release from Kuje prison. Ngige, who was the immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, had been remanded in Kuje prison following corruption allegations brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to eyewitnesses, Ngige arrived at the State House Conference Centre after President Bola Tinubu had taken his seat, prompting a brief standoff with security officials before he was cleared to join the meeting. His arrival drew cheers from some presidential aides and party chieftains, marking a show of support from his colleagues.

The former governor's appearance at the caucus meeting comes amid ongoing EFCC prosecution on allegations of abuse of office and corrupt gratification during his ministerial tenure. Ngige faces an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office, contract splitting, and receiving kickbacks from firms that secured contracts with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his tenure as minister.

Ngige's trial has been adjourned to January 28 and 29, 2026, after he pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail with conditions, including producing a surety who is a director on the federal government payroll and has property in the FCT.

The APC caucus meeting, which Ngige attended, was attended by high-profile attendees, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Assembly leaders, serving governors, and several recent defectors from the PDP. ¹ ² ³

Ngige's bold move has sparked widespread attention, with political observers describing his attendance as a strong signal of his continued influence within the APC and determination to remain active despite legal challenges.