Ahead of 2027 general election, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has embarked on a reconciliation of aggrieved stakeholders in Anambra state, threatening to wield the big stick against any recalcitrant member who persists in conduct capable of undermining party unity.
The party declared that the reconciliation in Anambra state must be genuine and not a temporary ceasefire.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement held in Abuja Thursday, the APC National Deputy Chairman (South), Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye, said the National Working Committee (NWC) inaugurated a Fact-Finding and Reconciliation Committee to investigate the causes of the lingering crisis in the Anambra chapter, reconcile aggrieved members and recommend lasting solutions.
Nwoye said a party that lives permanently in court cannot organise effectively in the wards, cannot mobilise convincingly in the communities, and cannot inspire confidence among voters.
“The national leadership of our great party will not hesitate to wield the big stick, going forward, against any recalcitrant member who persists in conduct capable of undermining party unity, frustrating lawful party decisions, or serving as an agent of opposition interests in Anambra State.
“Peace requires open arms for sincere members, but it also requires firm consequences for those who deliberately sabotage the collective mission of the APC. The eyes of our members are upon us. The eyes of Anambra voters are upon us. The eyes of our national leadership are upon us. Posterity will ask whether, at this turning point, we chose anger or wisdom, division or unity, litigation or dialogue, factional pride or party victory. I believe we will choose wisely.”
Nwoye said the committee identified the alleged removal of elected party officials, disputes over candidate substitution after party primaries, litigation instituted without exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanisms and the alleged expulsion of members without fair hearing as major sources of the crisis.
He also cited perceived marginalisation, poor communication, weak party discipline and struggles for political influence as factors undermining party cohesion, warning that prolonged internal divisions could weaken the APC’s electoral prospects.
According to him, the party’s assignment ahead of the 2027 elections extends beyond President Tinubu’s re-election to securing victories for APC candidates in governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly contests across the country.
“Our responsibility is not only to deliver President Tinubu. We must also ensure victory for our candidates at every level. Delivering only the President while losing other elections would weaken our structures and diminish our influence,” he said.
Nwoye stressed that rebuilding unity in Anambra would strengthen the APC’s presence in the South-east and improve its chances of delivering stronger support for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Also speaking, the APC National Leader for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Hon. Tolu Bankole, appealed to members to resolve their differences quickly, saying the mistakes of the last election must not be repeated.
He commended the efforts of the party’s governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, during the last election, arguing that greater unity among members could have produced a different outcome.
Bankole urged party faithful to close ranks, work together and support the party’s leadership, expressing confidence that a united APC would boost its electoral fortunes in Anambra, strengthen its standing in the South-East and enhance President Tinubu’s prospects in the 2027 elections.