The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified efforts to resolve the leadership crisis rocking its Anambra State chapter by constituting a five-member fact-finding and reconciliation committee to address the dispute and restore unity within the party.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Dr. Benjamin Nwoye, who chairs the committee, appealed to aggrieved members to remain calm and avoid actions that could further deepen the crisis, particularly resorting to litigation.
Nwoye said the National Working Committee (NWC) established the committee following the lingering leadership tussle in the state chapter, which recently culminated in a court action seeking the removal of the elected state chairman, Senator Emma Anosike, and the recognition of another leadership structure.
According to him, the committee has been mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the dispute, engage all relevant stakeholders, reconcile opposing groups and recommend lasting measures to strengthen unity in the party ahead of future electoral contests.
He explained that the immediate concern before the committee is the legal challenge that questioned the legitimacy of the Anosike-led executive and sought to install an alternative leadership.
The crisis escalated on Sunday when a faction led by Chief Ifeanyi Osegbo reportedly took control of the APC state secretariat in Awka on the strength of a court judgment obtained against the Anosike-led leadership.
Nwoye, however, assured party members that the national leadership was fully aware of the situation and had already initiated steps to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
He urged all parties involved in the dispute to exercise restraint while the committee carries out its assignment, stressing that the APC remained committed to preserving peace and ensuring that internal disagreements do not undermine the party’s prospects in future elections.
The deputy national chairman disclosed that the party’s legal team had responded to the court action and expressed satisfaction that the enforcement of the judgment had been stayed pending further legal proceedings.
He said the committee would immediately begin consultations with stakeholders both in Abuja and Anambra State as part of efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
Nwoye further revealed that security agencies in Anambra State would be formally notified to ensure the protection of party assets, including the state secretariat, and to prevent any unlawful interference by rival groups.
He also reminded party members of the provisions of the APC constitution, which require aggrieved members to exhaust all internal dispute resolution mechanisms before approaching the courts.
According to him, while the committee is yet to determine whether those involved in the current dispute complied with the party’s internal procedures, that issue forms a critical aspect of its investigation.
He expressed confidence that the reconciliation process would help restore stability in the Anambra chapter and strengthen the APC’s preparedness for future political engagements in the state.