Anambra APC crisis deepens as faction takes over secretariat

The leadership struggle within the Anambra State chapter of Nigeria's All Progressives Congress (APC) intensified Sunday when a faction led by Ifeanyi Osegbo seized control of the party's state secretariat.

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The winning mentality of APC has just started in this state. We will begin by going to the grassroots and we are not going to allow our party’s candidates in their areas to suffer because we are going to help them to achieve victory.

Osegbo and his supporters celebrated the takeover, citing a court judgment that validated their claim to leadership. They immediately established three committees focused on truth and reconciliation, strategy, and election planning, aiming to unify the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Osegbo declared an end to internal bickering and stressed the priority of mobilizing support for President Bola Tinubu's reelection.

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The era of bickering and disunity in the state party had come to an end, adding that the main priority of APC is to mobilize effectively for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu.

However, the executive led by Senator Emma Anosike dismissed the takeover as illegal and a violation of due process. Anosike's faction labeled the court judgment a "kangaroo judgment" lacking legal merit. They asserted that key plaintiffs in the suit had denied authorizing the legal action and that elected executives were not properly included in the proceedings. The Anosike group argued that any change in state leadership requires a judgment served on the National Working Committee and the National Chairman, who are the ultimate authorities.

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Our challenges are enormousz but not insurmountable. These committees are for unity and peace. We are not going to leave anyone out. It is a moment of sacrifice.