The All Progressives Congress (APC) faces internal dissent following the party’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election. Charles Udeogaranya, a former presidential aspirant within the APC, has vehemently criticized the National Working Committee (NWC) and APC governors for publicly backing Tinubu without conducting a primary election. Udeogaranya argues that this premature endorsement deprives other potential candidates of the opportunity to present their visions for a better Nigeria, stifling internal competition and potentially hindering the emergence of more effective leadership. He emphasizes the importance of a democratic process, asserting that automatic tickets undermine the principles of fairness and equal opportunity.
Udeogaranya’s criticism comes in response to the unanimous endorsement of Tinubu by 22 APC governors and the party leadership at the APC National Summit held in Abuja. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, initiated the motion for Tinubu’s adoption as the sole candidate, seconded by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State. This move effectively shuts the door on any other aspiring candidates within the APC, solidifying Tinubu’s position as the party’s presumptive nominee for the 2027 election.
Udeogaranya passionately contends that the prevailing socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria, including pervasive hunger, poverty, economic instability, and insecurity, necessitate a competitive primary election. He posits that a consensus arrangement, especially in the context of these difficulties, is unacceptable and undermines the democratic principles that should guide the party’s internal processes. Udeogaranya invokes the historical precedents of Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech to underscore the importance of democratic ideals and the right to contest for leadership positions. He firmly believes these principles should apply equally within the APC, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants.
The controversy within the APC highlights the tension between party unity and democratic competition. While the party leadership may see the early endorsement of Tinubu as a strategic move to consolidate support and project an image of stability, critics like Udeogaranya argue that it stifles internal debate and potentially undermines the party’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and present the most compelling candidate. This preemptive endorsement raises concerns about the potential for complacency and a lack of accountability within the ruling party.
Nze Chidi Duru, Deputy National Organising Committee of the APC, defends the endorsement, asserting that the incumbent president has a “right of first refusal.” This argument implies that Tinubu, as the sitting president, deserves the opportunity to seek re-election without facing internal competition. Duru suggests that a primary election would only be considered if Tinubu declined to run for a second term. This position reinforces the concept of a hierarchical structure within the party, where the incumbent president holds a privileged position in determining the party’s future leadership.
The diverging perspectives within the APC regarding the 2027 presidential nomination underscore the ongoing debate about the balance between party unity and democratic processes. While the endorsement of Tinubu may streamline the party’s election preparations and project an image of strength and stability, it also raises concerns about the stifling of internal competition and the potential marginalization of alternative viewpoints. Udeogaranya’s challenge to the established order within the APC calls for a more inclusive and competitive process, emphasizing the importance of democratic principles and the right of all party members to aspire to leadership positions. The outcome of this internal struggle will significantly impact the APC’s trajectory and potentially shape the landscape of Nigerian politics in the coming years.
