Although the APC National Summit has effectively endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027, several pressing internal issues remain unresolved. Chief among them is whether the party will extend automatic tickets to other incumbents and influential stakeholders or open its primaries to both long-standing members and recent defectors. The outcome will shape the APC?s internal cohesion and electoral strategy ahead of the general elections, ADAMU ABUH reports.

In recent months, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to benefit from a wave of defections by prominent politicians from opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The influx includes federal lawmakers and influential figures in key states, reinforcing the perception of the APC?s growing political dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While formal defections by sitting governors have not been confirmed recently, speculations have intensified following statements by some governors, such as Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, hinting at potential realignment with the ruling party. This has fueled suggestions that the APC is positioning itself for an even broader national coalition that could smooth its path toward electoral victory in 2027.

These developments culminated in the open endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term during the APC National Summit held in Abuja. The endorsement was led by the Progressive Governors? Forum (PGF), chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and supported by key figures in the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

However, critics and opposition analysts have raised concerns that the APC?s consolidation of political power is beginning to resemble a one-party state. Some argue that the alignment of governors, lawmakers, and influential political stakeholders with the ruling party is diminishing the competitive nature of Nigerian democracy. According to them, such elite-driven endorsements may weaken the influence of the electorate, making it appear as though the will of the people is secondary to elite political calculations.

Undoubtedly, the recent APC National Summit was, in many respects, a celebration of President Bola Tinubu?s administration and the milestones it claims to have achieved since he assumed office on May 29, 2023. The gathering also doubled as a moment of affirmation for the party?s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Since assuming office on August 3, 2023, Ganduje?s leadership has weathered internal opposition and controversy, including persistent efforts from political rivals within his home state of Kano and dissenting voices in the party?s North Central zone, which argued that the position should have been zoned to their region.

Buoyed by the show of support at the summit, a visibly elated Ganduje highlighted what he described as ?the party?s deepening national spread and institutional strength? under his watch. He pointed to recent defections, APC victories in off-cycle elections, and the alignment of key political figures across geopolitical zones as evidence of the party?s growing influence.

Nonetheless, internal discontent remains in some quarters of the party, where concerns linger about Ganduje?s legitimacy, his ability to unify the APC ahead of 2027, and the broader implications of bypassing zoning principles that have long guided party leadership selections.

Before the summit, Ganduje had cited the ongoing wave of defections to the party, including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and both state and National Assembly members from the opposition Labour Party (LP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), as achievements recorded under his leadership.

He eulogised President Tinubu?s policies as being responsible for the APC?s control in 22 states, the majority in the National Assembly, and dominance in local government administration across many parts of the country.

Ganduje also boasted that, under his leadership, the APC has launched the Progressive Institute, which now serves as an ideological hub and a centre for training, policy research, and strategic party development.

He said: ?Most importantly, we have ensured seamless party-government alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are currently working on a digital membership database for proper identification and inclusion of every member, a modern, transparent, and inclusive party system.?

Stating that the party secured resounding victories in Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Edo states, Ganduje assured that the APC is preparing rigorously for upcoming off-cycle elections in Anambra and Osun states to achieve the desired outcomes.

While the APC National Summit projected a picture of unity and celebration, culminating in the early endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term, the event may have inadvertently set the stage for an internal implosion. Within the party, quiet discontent is brewing among power blocs who feel sidelined, ignored, or prematurely written off ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party insiders have raised concerns about the lack of internal democratic consultation before Tinubu?s endorsement by the Progressive Governors? Forum and the National Assembly leadership. With no space seemingly left for alternative voices, the question arises: will other contenders be given a fair chance, or is the 2027 ticket effectively sealed?

Besides the endorsement of President Tinubu and Ganduje?s boastful enumeration of party achievements, the ruling APC may be confronted with a more fundamental challenge: its inability to deliver good governance and satisfactory performance to the electorate.

Despite Ganduje?s defence of the Renewed Hope Agenda, widespread economic hardship, driven by the removal of fuel subsidy, naira devaluation, high inflation, and mass unemployment, has significantly eroded public trust in the APC and President Tinubu. Unless there is a tangible economic recovery by at least mid-2026, the party could face serious voter backlash, particularly from urban youth, civil servants, and low-income earners already exhibiting growing frustration.

With new power blocs emerging from recent defections, the APC may be heading toward fierce internal battles over access to federal patronage, zoning arrangements, and candidacies. The likely clash between long-time members and influential defectors could provoke factional crises in battleground states like Delta, Rivers, Kano, and Akwa Ibom.

Tinubu?s early endorsement for a second term also risks unsettling the party?s internal zoning balance. Agitation is growing in the North for a return of power by 2027, especially if Tinubu formally declares his re-election bid. In addition, some South-East stakeholders, who feel consistently marginalised within the APC, may intensify agitation or vote against the party en masse, further straining its national outlook.

Another looming issue is the incomplete grassroots integration of many high-profile defectors. Some state chapters are already resisting their imposed alignments. This could undermine local mobilisation efforts, particularly if the APC attempts to field defected governors or senators over loyal party leaders in critical states. Such scenarios may result in parallel primaries or outright rebellion within local chapters.

While the PDP and Labour Party (LP) currently appear weakened, political observers suggest they may regroup ahead of 2027, especially if coalitions or mergers occur. A possible alliance involving Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and other third-force candidates could present a formidable national challenge, especially in swing regions like the North Central, South-South, and parts of the North-West.

Security remains another critical area where the APC-led Federal Government faces growing scrutiny. Insecurity, particularly in the North-West and North-Central, continues to fester, undermining the government?s narrative of competence and development. Issues such as kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, and persistent banditry risk alienating rural voters and weakening APC?s grip on its traditional strongholds.

Tanko Yunusa, spokesman for Labour Party?s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, noted that lessons from the 2023 ?Obidient? Movement demonstrate how youth-led digital activism and turnout surges can reshape election outcomes. ?If APC fails to engage Nigeria?s youth effectively on education, job creation, and civil liberties, it may struggle with perception among first-time voters,? he said.

Similarly, a former PDP National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Eddy Olafeso, accused the APC of behaving as though ?Nigeria and the electorate are already conquered territory ahead of 2027.?

According to him, ?The fact that governors, lawmakers, and some key opposition stakeholders are moving in droves to the APC does not mean the Nigerian voters won?t speak with their votes in 2027.

?Except they are banking on rigging the next election, I don?t see any reasonable Nigerian voting again for hunger, hardship, insecurity, and mis-governance. The Nigerian voters cannot be isolated.?

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, also expressed concern that the wave of defections into the APC, especially by high-profile opposition figures, signals the growing isolation and disempowerment of Nigerian voters in the democratic process. He said the ADC is working toward mobilising over 33 million Nigerian youths to ?vote right? in 2027.

According to him, ?The movement ADC is planning, through a well-coordinated collaboration with concerned politicians, will help bail the country out of bad governance and other pressing challenges.?

In the same vein, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) described President Tinubu?s endorsement as ?a premature and miscalculated move? by the APC. CUPP?s National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, urged the ruling party to prioritise addressing the country?s pressing challenges rather than engaging in premature politicking.

?The endorsement, barely two years into this administration, is not only a miscalculation but a clear indication of the APC?s disconnect from the struggles and aspirations of the Nigerian people,? he said.

?The endorsement may boost Tinubu?s confidence, but it risks being seen as dismissive of public sentiment, given the economic challenges facing the nation. The removal of fuel subsidy, inflation, and persistent insecurity are just a few of the issues Nigerians face. The APC?s claim of growing support due to the Renewed Hope Agenda has not resonated with citizens facing hardship, as reflected in widespread public outrage.?

CUPP warned that the endorsement could backfire if the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians continue to be ignored: ?The Tinubu administration might witness potential unrest if issues like insecurity and economic pain are not addressed. Moreover, this endorsement will give the President a false sense of popular support, leading him to walk on quicksand that could eventually lead to his defeat.?

However, dismissing fears that the wave of defections and the early endorsement may create crises within the party, former APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Prince Hilliard Eta, ruled out any negative fallout.

?I don?t see how it can cause problems for the party,? he said.

When asked whether incumbent governors and lawmakers would be offered automatic tickets, Eta responded, ?They would be assessed on their own merits. The President has been assessed and seen to have done a good job. So, anybody who wants a second or third term, as the case may be, will have to put their report card on the table for party members to decide if they deserve it. We know some of them have nothing to show for occupying their seats.?

Defending the administration?s economic policies and the party?s chances, Ganduje, through his media aide, Mr. Edwin Olofu, said that removing fuel subsidies and unifying the foreign exchange market were bold reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria for inclusive growth and long-term sustainability.

According to him, funds saved from fuel subsidy removal have been redirected toward critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security, while allocations to states and local governments have been significantly increased.

He also cited the approval of a new national minimum wage, from N30,000 to N70,000 for civil servants, alongside Conditional Cash Transfers of N25,000 to 15 million vulnerable households for three months, and the distribution of palliatives across the nation. He added that the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative had been launched to provide a cheaper alternative to petrol.

Highlighting key infrastructure projects, Ganduje said the administration is working to revive and expand Nigeria?s railway network, including the Lagos-Ibadan, Ibadan-Kaduna, Kaduna-Kano, Kano-Daura, and Daura-Maradi lines, designed to connect key economic zones and reduce traffic congestion while boosting regional trade, especially in the northern corridor.

?Our goal must not only be to win elections, but to lead with purpose, to earn the trust of Nigerians continuously, and to inspire belief in governance again,? he said. (The Guardian)

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