APC State Congresses: Calm in Many States, Crisis in Key Battlegrounds

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday conducted its state congresses nationwide as part of preparations for its National Convention scheduled for 25–28 March. While the exercises were largely peaceful in several states, escalating internal crises in Ondo, Delta and Benue underscored lingering factional tensions within Africa’s largest ruling party.

Across much of the country, consensus arrangements dominated the process, with party leaders describing the model as a demonstration of internal cohesion. However, in a few politically sensitive states, disagreements over control and legitimacy produced parallel executives and sharpened rivalries.

Delta: Consensus Amid Boycott

In Delta State, Chief Solomon Arenyeka emerged as chairman through consensus at the congress held in Asaba. Other executives, including Elder Moses Iduh (Deputy Chairman) and Chief Efe Uko (Secretary), were similarly affirmed.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori insisted there was no imposition, stating that extensive consultations preceded the exercise. Former Speaker Victor Ochei formally dissolved the outgoing State Working Committee, clearing the path for the new leadership.

However, the exercise was boycotted by former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege and members of the Ibori political family, signaling unresolved tensions despite the peaceful conduct of the congress.

Arenyeka pledged transparency and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, positioning Delta as a model of party unity.

Benue: Parallel Congresses Deepen Rift

In Benue State, internal divisions were more pronounced. Camps loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume conducted parallel congresses in Makurdi.

At IBB Square, the Alia faction re-elected Benjamin Omale as chairman, declaring the executive “authentic.” Meanwhile, the Akume-aligned camp gathered at Eunice Resort, affirming Austin Agada’s executive for another term.

Both events were reportedly peaceful, but the dual outcomes highlighted a deepening power struggle within the party in Benue — one likely to test the APC’s conflict-resolution mechanisms before the national convention.

Consensus Dominates Elsewhere

In contrast, several states recorded seamless congresses.

In Edo State, delegates returned the 36-member executive led by Jarrett Tenebe via voice affirmation in Benin City. Tenebe used the occasion to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo for second terms, alongside Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

Gombe also affirmed its executive through consensus at Pantami Stadium, with Mohammed Dantata Ndus emerging chairman. Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the congress as the culmination of grassroots reorganisation.

Similarly, in Kaduna, Hon. Isaac Atiku Sankay emerged chairman by consensus at Murtala Muhammed Square. Governor Uba Sani and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas charged the new executive to mobilise two million votes for President Tinubu in 2027.

South-East Consolidation

In Anambra, Senator Emmanuel Anosike replaced Basil Ejidike as chairman following a consensus-based process. Party leaders adopted a harmonisation approach to avoid internal disputes.

Imo and Enugu states also recorded peaceful congresses, with Chief Austin Onyedebelu and Dr. Martin Chukwunweike respectively emerging as chairmen. In Cross River, former federal lawmaker Chris Etta was affirmed chairman in a stakeholder-driven process.

The Road to the Convention

The state congresses represent a critical step in the APC’s build-up to its national convention, where new national officers are expected to emerge.

While consensus has become the party’s preferred model for leadership selection, the crises in Ondo, Delta and Benue demonstrate that factional rivalries remain potent beneath the surface.

How the APC resolves these disputes may determine not only the stability of its national convention but also its preparedness for the 2027 electoral cycle.