The All Progressives Congress (APC) faces internal strife in several state chapters, including Benue, Adamawa, Delta, Osun, Rivers, Zamfara, and Bayelsa. While the national leadership expresses confidence in resolving these conflicts, the deep-seated nature of some disputes suggests that they may persist until the 2027 elections if not adequately addressed. These conflicts often stem from power struggles, personal animosities, and disagreements over party leadership and control, threatening the party’s unity and electoral prospects in the affected states.
In Bayelsa, the crisis originates from contested ward and state congresses, leading to the exclusion of state delegates from the national convention. Despite participating in the governorship election with Timipre Sylva as the candidate, the party remains divided due to unresolved issues with Heineken Lokpobiri and David Lyon. Suspensions of key party figures further exacerbated the situation, with legal challenges adding another layer of complexity. The underlying struggle for control of the party structure ahead of the 2027 elections fuels the conflict, hindering the party’s ability to effectively challenge the opposition.
Osun State’s APC is fractured between factions loyal to former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola. The Oyetola-led faction controls the state leadership, while Aregbesola’s group, known as Omoluabi Progressives, operates independently. Suspensions and lack of communication between the two groups highlight the deep divide. While the official party stance denies any crisis, the Aregbesola faction asserts the existence of a significant rift.
The Benue State chapter faces renewed conflict following the burial of Second Republic minister Paul Unongo. The event brought to light tensions between Governor Hyacinth Alia and his political godfather, Senator George Akume. Alia accused stakeholders of fueling disunity, while Akume cautioned the governor against new political associates. This public airing of grievances exposes the underlying power dynamics and potential for further division within the Benue APC.
Delta State’s APC grapples with the emergence of two parallel chairmen, Paulinus Akpeki and Francis Obigbor, both claiming leadership. This development undermines recent reconciliation efforts and highlights the ongoing factionalism within the state chapter. The dispute over the chairmanship reflects a broader power struggle within the party, potentially affecting its ability to present a united front in future elections.
In Rivers State, the division persists between the Rotimi Amaechi faction, led by reinstated chairman Emeka Beke, and the Tony Okocha faction. Okocha’s emergence as chairman through a contested congress despite a court order further complicates the situation. The ongoing legal battles and factionalism threaten the party’s stability and electoral viability in the state.
Adamawa State’s APC also faces internal strife, requiring the intervention of a reconciliation committee headed by Senator Muhammed Mana. The committee aims to address the deep-seated divisions and unify the party. The existence of multiple factions within the Adamawa APC underscores the challenges facing the national leadership in its efforts to restore unity and cohesion across the country. The success of these reconciliation efforts will be crucial for the party’s future electoral performance in the state. These ongoing conflicts across multiple states pose a significant challenge for the APC’s national leadership as it seeks to maintain unity and prepare for future elections. The resolution of these disputes will require careful negotiation, compromise, and a commitment to addressing the underlying causes of the conflicts.
The various crises within the APC highlight the challenges inherent in managing a large and diverse political party. The competing interests and ambitions of different factions can lead to internal power struggles that threaten the party’s cohesion and effectiveness. Resolving these conflicts requires strong leadership, effective communication, and a willingness to compromise. Furthermore, the disputes often revolve around control of party machinery and resources, indicating a struggle for influence and power within the party structure.
The recurring theme of parallel leadership structures in states like Delta underscores the breakdown of communication and trust within the party. The inability to resolve leadership disputes through established party mechanisms points to a deeper dysfunction within the APC. The factionalism within the APC also reflects broader political dynamics within Nigeria, with regional and ethnic factors often playing a role in the internal party struggles.
The national leadership’s efforts to reconcile warring factions, while commendable, face significant hurdles. The entrenched positions of the various groups, coupled with personal animosities and political ambitions, make finding common ground difficult. The involvement of prominent figures, such as former governors and senators, further complicates the situation, as their influence and personal interests often intertwine with the party’s internal dynamics. The legal challenges in states like Bayelsa add another layer of complexity, potentially prolonging the resolution process.
The APC’s internal struggles have implications for its electoral prospects. A divided party is less effective in mobilizing voters and campaigning effectively. The ongoing conflicts could weaken the party’s ability to challenge opposition parties in future elections. Furthermore, these internal divisions can distract from the party’s focus on governance and policy implementation, potentially hindering its ability to deliver on its promises to the electorate.
Resolving these conflicts requires a multi-faceted approach. The national leadership must engage in genuine dialogue with the warring factions, seeking to understand their grievances and find common ground. Impartial mediation and arbitration may be necessary to facilitate communication and build trust between the opposing groups. Party leaders must demonstrate a commitment to fairness and transparency in resolving these disputes, ensuring that all members feel heard and respected.
In the long term, the APC needs to strengthen its internal mechanisms for conflict resolution. Clearer guidelines and procedures for resolving disputes can help prevent future conflicts from escalating. Promoting internal democracy and ensuring that all members have a voice in party affairs can also help reduce factionalism and promote unity. The APC’s ability to address these internal challenges will be crucial for its long-term success as a political party and its ability to effectively govern Nigeria.
