Leadership Dispute Erupts Within APC Italy Chapter
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Italy Chapter is currently embroiled in a leadership controversy following the party’s outright rejection of Prince Chima Ibezim’s self-asserted position as chairman. The official party leadership has publicly dismissed Ibezim’s claim, labeling it as both unauthorized and illegitimate.
Official Statement Denies Ibezim’s Chairmanship
In a formal declaration, the APC Italy Chapter emphasized that Prince Chima Ibezim has been falsely presenting himself as the chapter’s chairman without any formal approval from the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. The statement urged the national leadership to disregard any communications or affiliations with Ibezim in his purported capacity.
The party further challenged Ibezim to produce any official documentation, such as endorsement letters or registration certificates, that would validate his claim to the chairmanship. To date, no such evidence has been presented.
Accusations of Undermining Party Unity
Beyond denying his legitimacy, the APC Italy Chapter accused Ibezim of engaging in activities detrimental to the party’s cohesion and progress within Italy. The leadership called on higher authorities within the APC to intervene and address the situation promptly to prevent further disruption.
Leadership Voices and Public Appeal
The statement was jointly signed by key chapter officials: Okpioda Osakue (Chairman), Pastor Michael Ifeoluwa Oputteh (Vice Chairman), and Hon. Patience Ehiabhi (Women Leader). They collectively appealed to the public and apc-pdp-and-nnpp-supporters-decamp-to-adc-in-katsina/” title=”…, PDP and NNPP supporters decamp to ADC in Katsina”>party members to recognize the official leadership and reject any unauthorized claims.
“We, the members of the All Progressives Congress Italy Chapter, wish to inform the public that Mr. Prince Chima Ibezim, residing in Rome, has been falsely claiming to be the Chairman of the APC Italy Chapter without any legal or formal authorization,” the statement read.
“We categorically deny his claim and affirm that his actions do not represent the official stance of the APC Italy Chapter or the broader party.”
Unresponsiveness from Prince Chima Ibezim
Attempts to reach Mr. Ibezim for comment have been unsuccessful. Multiple phone calls went unanswered, and messages sent via WhatsApp remained without reply at the time of this report.
Context and Implications
This internal conflict within the APC Italy Chapter highlights ongoing challenges political parties face in maintaining unity among diaspora branches. With the APC being Nigeria’s ruling party, ensuring clear and legitimate leadership abroad is crucial for sustaining its influence and organizational integrity. Similar disputes have been reported in other diaspora chapters, underscoring the need for transparent communication and formalized leadership protocols.
As of 2024, the APC continues to expand its international presence, with over 20 active chapters across Europe and North America. Effective governance within these chapters is vital for mobilizing support and engaging Nigerian expatriates in the political process back home.
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