Victor C. Umeh

Victor Umeh is a Nigerian politician, estate surveyor, and former senator, best known for his influential leadership in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and his dogged political battles. Over the years, Umeh has built a reputation as a strategic political player, party organizer, and advocate for equity. However, his career has been marked by legal battles, party disputes, and shifting political alliances, making him one of the most controversial figures in Anambra politics.

From serving as APGA’s National Chairman, fighting court battles over party leadership, and navigating multiple defections, to securing a Senate seat under Labour Party (LP) in 2023, Umeh has remained a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian politics. He is married to Lady Prisca Chinenye Umeh (née Nwaka), a graduate of English Language and Education Administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology. The couple has been blessed with seven children.

Early Life and Education

Victor Umeh was born on July 19, 1962, to Late Sir Innocent Ofojekwu Umeh (KSM) and Lady Elizabeth Umeh (LSM) of Ifite village, Aguluzigbo, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Raised in a strict Christian family, he attended St. Bridget’s Primary School, Aguluzigbo, before proceeding to Bubendorff Memorial Grammar School, Adazi-Nnukwu, where he graduated top of his class in 1980.

In the same year, he was admitted to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to study Estate Management. He graduated in 1984 with a BSc Honours in Estate Management.

After completing his National Youth Service (NYSC) in 1985, he worked as a lecturer at the University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt.

Umeh later became a certified Estate Surveyor and Valuer, earning several professional recognitions, including:

• Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers
• Senior Certified Valuer of the International Real Estate Institute, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
• Associate Member of the Rating and Valuation Association of Great Britain

He is the Principal Consultant at V. C. Umeh & Co, a firm of Estate Surveyors and Valuers.

Political Career and Party Disputes

Entry into Politics (PDP Era and Resignation)

Umeh’s political career began in 1998 when he became a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In 1999, he was elected as the State Treasurer of PDP in Anambra State.

However, discontent with internal party politics led him to resign from PDP in 2001.

Formation and Leadership in APGA

Umeh played a key role in registering the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2002, where he initially served as:

• National Vice Chairman (Southeast)
• National Treasurer

In 2006, he became National Chairman of APGA, leading the party through several court battles and political struggles.

Major Political Feats and Legal Battles

Victory for Peter Obi (2003 – 2010)

Under Umeh’s leadership, APGA fought for Peter Obi’s governorship mandate after the 2003 election, which was initially awarded to Dr. Chris Ngige (PDP).

After three years of legal battles, Obi was declared the rightful winner in 2006.

Umeh was also instrumental in Obi’s re-election in 2010, despite significant opposition.

APGA’s Expansion to Imo and Anambra (2011 – 2017)

Under Umeh’s chairmanship:

• APGA won the 2011 Imo State Governorship Election with Rochas Okorocha.
• APGA retained Anambra State in the 2013 Governorship Election, bringing in Willie Obiano.
• Umeh led Obiano’s re-election campaign in 2017, delivering a historic landslide victory.

Party Crisis and Leadership Disputes

APGA Leadership Crisis and Court Battles (2013 – 2015)

Umeh’s tenure as APGA National Chairman was marked by intense legal battles over party leadership. Several party members, including:

• Maxi Okwu,
• Sani Shinkafi, and
• Martin Agbaso

challenged Umeh’s authority in court, leading to protracted legal disputes over the authentic leadership of APGA.

After a long battle, Umeh handed over APGA leadership in 2015 to a new party executive.

Senate Career and Political Transitions

Entry into the Senate (2018 – 2019)

After years of party leadership, Umeh won the 2018 bye-election for Anambra Central Senatorial District, defeating 13 other candidates. He was sworn in on January 18, 2018, but lost re-election in 2019.

Defection from APGA to Labour Party (2022 – 2023)

In 2022, Umeh contested for APGA’s Senate ticket but lost. He blamed his defeat on:

• A conspiracy within APGA against him
• Obiano’s camp sidelining him

Feeling betrayed, he resigned from APGA and joined the Labour Party (LP), where he secured the Senate ticket.

Legal Battles Over LP Candidacy (2023 Election Disqualification)

His nomination as LP’s candidate for the 2023 Senate election was challenged by PDP and Uche Ekwunife, who claimed:

• Umeh did not properly resign from APGA before joining LP.

On January 27, 2023, a court disqualified Umeh, but he won his appeal on February 23, 2023, just three days before the election.

Return to the Senate (2023 – Present)

In the February 25, 2023, election, Umeh:

• Polled 103,608 votes, defeating:
  • Uche Ekwunife (PDP) – 49,532 votes
  • Dozie Nwankwo (APGA) – 69,702 votes

He was later appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora in August 2023.

​Family and Personal Life

• Marriage: Victor and Prisca Umeh have been married for over three decades. In February 2022, they celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary, marking a significant milestone in their enduring partnership. ​

• Children: The Umeh family comprises seven children. While specific details about all their children are kept private, it is known that their daughter, Chidimma, recently got married. The wedding ceremony was attended by notable personalities, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who extended his congratulations to the couple. ​

• Public Appearances: Lady Prisca Umeh is often seen supporting her husband at various public events. For instance, they both attended the wedding ceremony of their daughter, Chidimma, showcasing their close-knit family ties. ​

The Umeh family is recognized for their unity and commitment to public service, with Lady Prisca playing a supportive role in her husband’s political endeavors.​

Philanthropy and Awards

Despite his political controversies, Umeh has been a strong advocate for education, funding over 220 students through his Victor Umeh Education Foundation (VUMEF).

Other recognitions include:

• National Honour (OFR) – Awarded by President Goodluck Jonathan (2014).
• Papal Knighthood of St. Sylvester (KSS) – Awarded by Pope Francis I (2016).
• Over 40 Chieftaincy Titles, including Jagaban Shinkafi, Ohamadike, and Ibobo Aguleri.

Conclusion

Victor Umeh remains one of Nigeria’s most resilient and controversial politicians. His career has been defined by legal battles, party disputes, and shifting alliances, yet he continues to shape Anambra’s political landscape.

From his APGA leadership struggles to his 2023 Senate victory under Labour Party, Umeh’s story is a testament to his political survival skills and strategic maneuvering.

References

1. Channels TV – “Victor Umeh Receives Certificate of Return” (2018).
2. This Day – “Victor Umeh: A Dogged Fighter at 54.”
3. Daily Post – “Why I Dumped APGA for Labour Party – Victor Umeh.”
4. Leadership Newspaper – “Court Sacks Victor Umeh as LP Senatorial Candidate.”

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