APC Takes Steps to Resolve Anambra Conflict Before 2027 Elections

The national leaders of the All Progressives Congress held a meeting on Tuesday to address the crisis in the Anambra State chapter. They warned the conflicting groups to stop actions that could cause more division.

The meeting took place at Chiben Leisure Resort and Hotel in Awka. The party aims to end months of infighting in the state chapter. They pointed out issues like disputed party structures, controversial candidate changes, court cases, and expulsions without proper procedures as the major problems affecting their chances in the 2027 general elections.

This peace and reconciliation meeting included APC state leaders, stakeholders, ward executives, youth and women leaders. The National Reconciliation Committee, led by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Dr Benjamin Nwoye, organized it.

While speaking to the attendees, Nwoye stated that the time for endless factional battles must end. He warned that a divided APC would find it hard to achieve victory for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election or win future elections in the state.

Nwoye said, "This meeting marks a crucial transition from dialogue to implementation after an earlier stakeholders’ reconciliation session held in Abuja on July 23. The Awka engagement is designed to translate the reconciliation process initiated by the party’s national leadership in Abuja into practical peace across the grassroots structures of the APC in Anambra.

"While the Abuja meeting succeeded in opening channels of communication among previously estranged party leaders, the success of the peace process now depends on its acceptance by ward executives, local government officials, youth and women leaders, and polling unit officers who remain the party’s closest link to the electorate.

"We are not gathered to reopen old wounds but to deepen the peace that began in Abuja. Politics is local, and any peace that does not reach the grassroots is incomplete."

Describing grassroots members as the engine of the APC, Nwoye emphasized that elections are won in communities, markets, churches, villages, and polling units. He said unity at the grassroots level is key.

Updating the committee’s findings, Nwoye shared that discussions with stakeholders from different factions had revealed the main issues causing the ongoing crisis within the state chapter. He mentioned allegations of removing elected party officials, replacing candidates who reportedly won party primaries, taking legal action without using the APC’s internal conflict resolution systems, and expelling party leaders and members without a fair hearing as some causes of the crisis.

Nwoye warned members against hindering the reconciliation process. He made it clear that the National Working Committee would not accept actions that deepen divisions within the party.

"We are not here to massage anybody’s ego. As this process continues, I don’t want to know the faction you belong to. Anyone who chooses to behave like a thug will be treated accordingly.

"We urge leaders to replace intimidation with consultation and encourage aggrieved members to pursue their grievances through the party’s internal mechanisms rather than prolonged court battles.

"Peace should never be mistaken for weakness but recognized as the strategic strength required to rebuild the APC ahead of future elections. A united party can register voters, mobilize polling units, prepare credible candidates, and compete seriously. A divided party cannot,” he added.

He urged stakeholders to move beyond complaints and start rebuilding functional ward structures, disciplined campaign teams, and open communication channels that can reposition the APC in Anambra.

The deputy national chairman also reaffirmed the National Working Committee’s commitment to a peace settlement that includes everyone. He assured stakeholders that every suggestion made during the consultations would be sent to the party’s national leadership before a final decision.

"The outcome must be seen as a joint decision involving everyone," he said, urging members to accept the committee’s eventual recommendations for lasting peace.

Anambra State APC Chairman, Senator Emma Anosike, also spoke at the meeting. He promised the state chapter’s commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election project and said they would start talks to bring back every aggrieved member.

"We will go back to the drawing board, make the necessary adjustments, and bring everybody on board," Anosike said.

Former state chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, called for genuine reconciliation. He warned that neither of the rival factions had the strength to win elections on their own.

The APC’s Deputy National Secretary, Abdulkareem Abubakar Kama (SAN), assured everyone that the party remains committed to giving the South-East a stronger sense of belonging.

The National Woman Leader, Dr Mary Idele, described the reconciliation mission as urgent. She warned that elections are coming soon and the party cannot afford more internal divisions.

Idele reminded members that "a house divided against itself cannot stand," urging them to respect the party's authority and prioritize the collective interest over personal ambitions.

The peace meeting allowed members from both factions to express their views. The committee promised that all contributions would be included in its report to the APC’s national leadership in Abuja for appropriate action.