The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State is facing growing internal tensions as different political interests jostle for control of the party structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the centre of the disagreement is a question that could shape the party’s fortunes in the state: Who truly controls the APC in Enugu?

The situation became more complicated following Governor Peter Mbah’s movement from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. His arrival brought with it a large political structure and changed the balance of power within the party.

For long-standing APC members, however, the development has created concerns about their political relevance and the future of the structures they built over the years.

Old APC Members and the New Political Structure

The major fault line appears to be between members who have been with the APC for years and political forces that joined the party more recently.

Some old members believe they deserve a significant role in determining the party’s direction because they built the APC structure in Enugu when the party was in opposition.

On the other hand, the political machinery associated with Governor Mbah brings considerable influence, electoral experience and government structures.

This has created a delicate balancing act for the party leadership.

The question is no longer simply about membership. It is about who gets party positions, who controls the grassroots structures and who determines the candidates that will fly the APC flag in 2027.

The Battle for Party Structures

Political parties are often won or lost at the ward and local government levels, and this is where the Enugu APC struggle becomes particularly important.

Complaints over ward executives, congresses and alleged changes to party structures have added fuel to the controversy.

For politicians preparing for 2027, control of these structures can determine who gets access to delegates, who influences nominations and ultimately who controls the party’s electoral machinery.

That explains why seemingly ordinary disputes over party offices have become major political battles.

More Than an Internal Disagreement

The Enugu APC crisis should not be viewed simply as a disagreement between individuals.

It reflects a larger struggle over the future direction of the party.

The old APC establishment wants recognition and protection of the structures it has built. The new political entrants want enough influence to translate their numerical and political strength into control of the party.

Between the two sides are party leaders who must find a way to prevent the disagreement from destroying the coalition before the 2027 elections.

The 2027 Factor

The biggest issue hanging over the struggle is 2027.

Every faction understands that decisions being made today could determine who controls the party during the next election cycle.

If the different camps reach an accommodation, the APC could emerge from the current disagreement stronger, combining its established grassroots network with the political machinery associated with the governor.

But if the divisions deepen, the party could enter the 2027 contest weakened by internal rivalry.

For the opposition, such a scenario would provide an opportunity.

The Need for Reconciliation

Ultimately, the APC leadership faces a difficult task.

The party must accommodate old members without alienating new entrants. It must also ensure that party positions and candidate-selection processes are seen as credible and transparent.

Political parties can survive disagreements, but prolonged disputes over control can become dangerous when they are allowed to harden into factions.

Enugu APC therefore needs dialogue, compromise and a clear internal framework for sharing responsibilities.

The struggle may be about positions today, but its consequences could extend well beyond the present.

As 2027 approaches, the real test for the APC in Enugu will be whether its different political interests can put their differences aside long enough to build a united electoral machine—or whether the fight for control will become the party’s greatest weakness.