APC 2027: Will consensus enforce anti-party as a result of collapses in internal democracy? 

By: Dr. James Bwala

The All Progressives Congress (APC) stands at a critical crossroads as it grapples with the ramifications of its recent consensus candidate selection process. The emergence of a so-called “consensus” candidate, rather than being a symbol of unity, has instead revealed deep fractures within the party’s internal democratic structures. The widespread discontent among aspirants who feel sidelined and silenced exposes a troubling trend: the collapse of internal democracy in the APC, which threatens to unleash anti-party sentiments that could have disastrous consequences in the 2027 general elections. 

The APC’s current trajectory—marked by opaque decision-making and authoritarian imposition—will inevitably engender internal rebellion unless urgent, meaningful reforms are undertaken to restore genuine participatory democracy within the party.

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To begin with, internal democracy is the lifeblood of any political party, particularly one that claims to govern while representing diverse constituencies. Democracy within a party ensures that aspirants for various offices have a fair chance to contest based on merit, vision, and popular support. It fosters legitimacy, accountability, and cohesion, enabling the party to present a unified front during elections. Unfortunately, the APC’s recent handling of the consensus candidate arrangement starkly contrasts with these principles. Instead of a transparent and inclusive consultation process, many aspirants recount being coerced into signing undertakings to accept predetermined outcomes—decisions orchestrated by the party leadership without genuine input from rank-and-file members.

Such practices betray the foundational democratic ethos the APC purports to uphold. One cannot help but view the forced acquiescence and symbolic “consensus” as an endorsement of dictatorship cloaked in a veneer of unity. This top-down imposition disenfranchises the very individuals who are supposed to embody and promote the party’s ideals. The covert nature of communications—aspirants resorting to WhatsApp conversations to express their grievances out of fear of surveillance—underscores a climate of mistrust and intimidation. A healthy political party thrives on open dialogue; a party that compels its members into silence through fear is fundamentally broken.

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The consequences of this erosion of internal democracy are neither abstract nor distant. A party whose members feel betrayed or marginalized risks fracturing from within. The APC’s hundreds, if not thousands, of disgruntled aspirants represent a reservoir of latent anti-party sentiment that, if left unaddressed, will manifest during the high-stakes 2027 general elections. These aggrieved members might either disengage entirely, reducing voter turnout and weakening the party’s grassroots machinery, or worse, sabotage the party from within by supporting opposition candidates, defecting to rival parties, or fomenting unrest.

Historical precedents within Nigerian politics illustrate that when internal democratic practices collapse, the resulting alienation among party members translates directly into electoral defeats. Political parties that prioritize authoritarian control over inclusivity invariably lose the confidence of their base. The APC, as the ruling party, must understand that its legitimacy does not rest solely on incumbency or executive power but fundamentally on the grassroots support nurtured through honest and participative political processes.

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The justification frequently offered by party elites for such consensus arrangements—that they are necessary for “unity” and to “avoid divisive primaries”—is deeply flawed. True unity arises from mutual respect and equitable competition, not from imposed decisions that silence dissent. Primaries may be contentious but are essential to test ideas, vet candidates, and build momentum. By circumventing primaries and opting for handpicked consensus candidates without buy-in, the party betrays its members’ trust and stifles political innovation.

It is crucial to recognize that internal democracy is not merely an ideological luxury but a practical necessity for the APC’s long-term sustainability. In the absence of credible internal mechanisms for selecting candidates, the party’s leadership risks alienating vital cadres, eroding morale, and undermining the collective commitment that fuels election mobilization. The current state, described by aspirants as “dictatorship at its peak,” may secure short-term compliance but sacrifices enduring loyalty. Such loyalty cannot be bought with patronage or enforced with intimidation; it must be nurtured through respect, transparency, and fairness.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/political-party-system-why-are-we-members-if-few-will-decide-our-fate-through-consensus/

To avert the looming crisis, the APC must embark on comprehensive reforms that reestablish internal democracy. First, there must be a clear, public, and binding framework for candidate selection that ensures fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness. Party elders and leaders should act as facilitators rather than dictators, enabling aspirants to compete on an equal footing. Second, grievance mechanisms must be strengthened to allow aspirants to voice concerns without fear of reprisal, ensuring that disputes are resolved internally rather than festering underground. Third, digital transparency tools can be employed to document all stages of candidate selection, building trust and verifying that processes are respected.

Additionally, the party leadership should engage in sincere dialogue with disgruntled aspirants, recognizing their value and addressing their concerns through concrete concessions and roles within the party structure. Reconciliation efforts must go beyond mere public relations exercises and demonstrate true commitment to inclusivity.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/political-party-system-why-are-we-members-if-few-will-decide-our-fate-through-consensus/

The APC faces a defining moment that demands urgent attention to its internal democratic deficits. The narrative of consensus candidacy, as currently practiced, signals a dangerous slide into authoritarianism that alienates vital segments of party membership. Without immediate and genuine reforms, the party risks sowing the seeds of anti-party rebellion that could severely weaken its electoral prospects in 2027 and beyond. 

Internal democracy is not simply a procedural formality—it is the foundation upon which the APC’s legitimacy and future success depend. To uphold its role as Nigeria’s leading political force, the APC must restore democratic norms within its ranks or face the consequences of a divided, disenfranchised membership turning against it from within. Failure to do so will not only compromise its electoral fortunes but also undermine the very democratic ideals it professes to champion.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

APC 2027: Will consensus enforce anti-party as a result of collapses in internal democracy? 

Political Party System: Why Are We Members; If Few Will Decide Our Fate Through Consensus?

By: Dr. James Bwala

These are the very questions some party membership was asking regarding happenings within party politics in Nigeria. And my thoughts on this are that, in democratic societies, political parties are meant to serve as vehicles for representation, participation, and accountability. They provide a platform through which citizens express their political preferences, compete for public office, and influence governance. However, within many political party systems—most notably that of Nigeria—the concept of consensus has evolved into a mechanism that concentrates power in the hands of a few, disenfranchising the vast majority of party members. This piece contends that the entrenched practice of consensus among party elites is not only undemocratic but also actively undermines the principles of participatory democracy, fostering corruption and dictatorship reminiscent of military regimes. To safeguard democracy’s true essence, it is imperative to critically revisit the consensus ideology and reinstitute the rights and voices of all party members in political decision-making processes.

At its core, democracy demands inclusion, transparency, and equality. Every card-carrying member of a political party should have an equal say in choosing candidates who represent their aspirations and values. Yet, the prevailing consensus model within the Nigerian political party system transforms these ideals into hollow formalities. Instead of empowering the collective membership, consensus becomes a tool wielded by party hierarchies—comprising national chairpersons, governors, powerful financiers, and other influential figures—to select candidates and dictate policies behind closed doors. This top-down approach obliterates internal party democracy and turns membership into a mere symbolic gesture devoid of real participation.

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The justification often given for consensus is the desire to avoid divisive primaries that could jeopardize party unity and electoral success. Proponents argue that consensual agreements prevent bitter factionalism, conserve resources, and project a united front to the electorate. While superficially plausible, this rationale is disingenuous when the process becomes exclusive and opaque, with decisions forged in secret meetings rather than through the broad consultation of party members. The so-called unity achieved is artificial; it masks deep resentment among sidelined aspirants and suppresses the natural contest of ideas fundamental to democratic evolution.

By restricting candidate selection to a handful of party elites, consensus fosters a culture of patronage and favoritism. Individuals who align themselves with dominant factions or offer financial inducements gain preferential treatment, while competent and popular candidates lacking elite connections are marginalized. This incentivizes corrupt practices as ambitious politicians seek to buy influence or broker deals with kingmakers. The consequences spill over into governance, where elected officials, indebted to their selectors rather than accountable to the people, prioritize personal or factional interests over public good. Hence, consensus does not merely distort internal party democracy—it also saps the quality and responsiveness of leadership at all levels of government.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/zulum-leadership-humility-and-humanity/

Indeed, the grip of consensus on candidate nomination echoes the authoritarianism it purportedly rejects. When decisions rest with a small clique operating without transparency or checks, the political party morphs into a microcosm of dictatorship. The voices of ordinary members are silenced; dissent is quashed under the guise of maintaining peace and order within the party. This stifling atmosphere discourages grassroots mobilization and political activism, eroding the vibrancy and dynamism necessary for democratic renewal. In effect, the consensus phenomenon creates a political monopoly, where power is recycled among an elite few, entrenching oligarchic control reminiscent of Nigeria’s past military regimes.

It is critical to emphasize that genuine consensus in democratic contexts differs fundamentally from the elite-driven version prevalent in many Nigerian parties. Authentic consensus arises from deliberation, negotiation, and compromise among broad-based stakeholders, each empowered to voice their views and influence outcomes equitably. It is neither a prearranged dictate nor the suppression of opposition. For democracy to thrive within political parties, institutions and culture must promote open contestation, respect for internal rules, and mechanisms for accountability. This includes transparent and competitive primaries, equal access to party resources by aspirants, and independent oversight bodies to enforce fairness.

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Reforming the consensus practice requires both structural and attitudinal changes. Party constitutions should explicitly enshrine the rights of members to participate meaningfully in candidate selection and policy formulation. Enforcement agencies and electoral commissions must rigorously police internal party elections, sanctioning violations such as imposed candidacies and manipulation of delegate lists. Civil society organizations and the media also have a vital role in exposing anti-democratic practices and educating the public on their rights within parties. Above all, political leaders must embrace a culture of inclusivity, recognizing that sustainable electoral success and legitimacy stem from empowering their membership base rather than manipulating it.

Also, technology offers promising avenues to enhance democratic participation. Digital platforms can facilitate wider consultation and voting processes, reducing the leverage of traditional gatekeepers and expanding grassroots engagement. Social media and mobile communication provide channels for members to hold leaders accountable and organize collective actions. When harnessed properly, these tools can disrupt entrenched power structures and democratize party decision-making.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/zulum-leadership-humility-and-humanity/

Some may argue that the chaos and fragmentation often witnessed during open primaries justify the status quo of elite consensus. However, this perspective overlooks the long-term costs of excluding the majority from decision-making. While competitive elections within parties may pose challenges, they foster political education, enhance representativeness, and strengthen legitimacy. The alternative is a sterile political environment dominated by elites disconnected from the electorate, increasing cynicism and apathy among citizens. Thus, preserving the integrity and vitality of democracy necessitates embracing participatory norms even if they introduce complexity into the process.

On this argument I still stand that the consensus model currently practiced within many political parties, particularly in Nigeria, constitutes a deliberate and damaging subversion of democratic principles. By concentrating decision-making in the hands of a few powerful insiders, it disenfranchises the broader membership, breeds corruption, and nurtures authoritarian tendencies that undermine the very foundations of democracy. The health of democratic governance hinges on restoring genuine participatory mechanisms that empower all members to choose their representatives freely and fairly. Revisiting and reforming the consensus ideology is not merely desirable but essential if democracy is to fulfill its promise of government by the people, for the people. Political parties must cease to be arenas of elite manipulation and instead become true vehicles of popular will—only then can democracy transcend rhetoric and become an authentic lived reality.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Political Party System: Why Are We Members; If Few Will Decide Our Fate Through Consensus?

Governor Buni moves to appeal to guber aspirants to step down for Wali in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State has vowed to appeal to aggrieved aspirants to step down for the government-preferred candidate of the party, Baba Mallam Wali FCAN, MNI, before the primary election date.

Governor Buni disclosed this yesterday while receiving thousands of members of the crowd of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters from all 17 local government areas of the state at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Damaturu.

He commended Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, Senator Musa Mustapha, former Inspector General of Police Usman Baba Alkali, and other aspirants for stepping down for the preferred candidate, Baba Mallam Wali, and noted that he would work tirelessly to see that the remaining aggrieved aspirants also stepped down for Wali.

“We should avoid banter, name-calling, and abuse; it is not in our culture and character. We must not tolerate it,” Governor Buni tells the crowd of party supporters.

He praised the steadfast support of the party’s members, which he said was credited with the successful outcomes of his administration, including the significant developmental projects, such as the construction of the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport.

Governor Buni further assured that next year our pilgrims will be airlifting to Saudi Arabia from this airport, Inshallah, and very soon the commercial business activities will commence, of which all the Yobeans would benefit.

“All the good work we executed in the areas of health care delivery, education, agriculture, the roads we are constructing, and security—all these developmental projects we executed all along with Baba Mallam Wali, and inshallah, he will come and continue with them.” 

He called on the people to offer prayers for peace in our country and to pray for the general elections to be conducted peacefully, as well as to pray Almighty Allah unites us, the people of Yobe State and Nigeria as a whole.

Governor Buni moves to appeal to guber aspirants to step down for Wali in Yobe