The All Progressives Congress (APC) is gearing up for the 2027 general elections by proactively addressing the concerning trend of weaponizing ethnicity, religion, and misinformation in Nigerian politics. Recognizing the potency of these divisive tactics, the party has emphasized the crucial role of its spokespersons in countering these narratives and disseminating accurate information. At a capacity-building seminar for APC’s communication officials, party leaders underscored the positive impact of President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, while simultaneously highlighting the dangers of manipulated narratives and identity politics. This proactive approach reflects the APC’s commitment to fostering a more informed and tolerant political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections.
A key concern voiced by the APC’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, was the escalating use of ethnic divisions for political gain. He noted a marked intensification of these divisions during the 2023 elections, a trend that continues to pose a threat to national unity. Basiru lamented the manipulation of ethnic identities, where politicians exploit existing fault lines to mobilize support and demonize opponents, often at the expense of national cohesion. This deliberate stoking of ethnic tensions, he argued, undermines the very fabric of Nigerian society and diverts attention from critical issues of governance and development.
The spread of misinformation, often amplified through social media, presents another significant challenge. Basiru highlighted instances where fabricated images and stories were circulated to mislead the public and incite discord. He criticized politicians who, lacking tangible achievements of their own, resort to misrepresenting realities and making unrealistic comparisons with other nations. This tendency to prioritize propaganda over performance further erodes public trust and hinders meaningful political discourse. The APC’s focus on countering misinformation underscores the party’s commitment to promoting fact-based discussions and holding its members accountable for their pronouncements.
Religious manipulation is yet another tactic that the APC aims to address. Basiru expressed concern over individuals with questionable motives exploiting religious sentiments for political advancement. He condemned this cynical exploitation of faith, emphasizing the importance of separating religion from politics and promoting tolerance and mutual respect among adherents of different faiths. The APC’s stance on this issue reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding the secular nature of Nigerian politics and preventing the manipulation of religious beliefs for partisan gain.
In contrast to the negative narratives propagated by some, the APC leadership presented a positive outlook on the state of the Nigerian economy. Basiru pointed to favorable economic indicators and endorsements from credible sources as evidence of the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s economic reforms. He emphasized the long-term benefits of these reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, which he argued was a necessary step to free up resources for crucial development projects. This optimistic assessment of the economy underscores the APC’s belief in the viability of its economic policies and its commitment to long-term sustainable growth.
Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, further elaborated on the government’s economic strategy, highlighting increased revenue allocations to sub-national entities and investments in infrastructure development. He defended the removal of fuel subsidies, characterizing it as a courageous move to tackle a deeply entrenched problem that previous administrations had failed to address. He also emphasized the unification of exchange rates as another crucial step towards stabilizing the economy and attracting foreign investment. These reforms, he argued, have laid a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth and development, ultimately benefiting all segments of Nigerian society. The APC’s focus on these economic achievements underscores its commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians and building a more prosperous nation.
