APC Battles Internal Strife in Anambra, Rallies Members for 2027 Strategy

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is actively working to resolve the long-standing crisis within its Anambra State chapter, following a significant defeat in last year’s governorship election in the southeastern state. To address these internal issues, the party's National Working Committee (NWC) established a reconciliation committee, tasked with reconciling aggrieved members and recommending lasting solutions.

During a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja, Dr. Benjamin Nwoye, the committee's chairman and APC national deputy chairman (South), underscored the critical need for unity within the state party. Nwoye issued a stern warning that the national leadership would not tolerate any recalcitrant members whose actions undermine party unity, frustrate lawful decisions, or serve opposition interests in Anambra State. He emphasized that while peace requires openness to sincere members, it also demands firm consequences for those who deliberately sabotage the collective mission of the APC, stating that all eyes are on them to choose wisdom, unity, and dialogue over anger, division, and litigation.

Dr. Nwoye identified several major causes of the crisis, including the alleged removal of elected party officials, disputes arising from candidate substitution after party primaries, the institution of litigation without exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanisms, and the alleged expulsion of members without fair hearing. He also highlighted the party's broader assignment ahead of the 2027 elections, which extends beyond merely securing President Tinubu’s re-election to ensuring victories for APC candidates in governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly contests nationwide. He stressed that delivering only the President while losing other elections would weaken the party's structures and diminish its influence.

Tolu Bankole, the APC National Leader for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), acknowledged the party’s past failings in the last Anambra governorship election. He lamented that the party did not adequately rally behind its candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, despite his substantial investment and commitment, which ultimately led to a lost opportunity to produce a state governor. Bankole warned against repeating such mistakes in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, suggesting that another loss could jeopardize the future of APC in Anambra.

Similarly, Dr. Mary Alile Idele, the APC National Woman Leader, urged members to set aside past grievances and focus intently on the primary objective of securing victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election. She emphasized that while it is easy to assign blame for past events, the party must now forge a new path forward, with the mandate to deliver victory for the President.