The Fault Lines Within the APC: Navigating Regional Tensions and Political Realities
Uche Diala, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, expresses deep concern over the growing rift between President Bola Tinubu’s supporters from the South-West and the North. Having actively participated in Tinubu’s presidential campaigns, Diala emphasizes the crucial role the North played in securing his victory. The recent friction, characterized by public disagreements and a sense of marginalization voiced by northern political elites, threatens the party’s unity and the President’s chances of re-election in 2027. Diala’s warning stems from a genuine fear that the escalating tensions, if left unchecked, could spiral out of control and jeopardize the party’s future. He stresses the importance of party elders intervening to mediate and reconcile the conflicting interests before they irrevocably damage the APC’s cohesion.
Diala specifically highlights the controversy surrounding Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, whose vocal criticisms have further fueled the discord. He cautions against underestimating El-Rufai’s influence within the North and the potential repercussions of alienating him. While acknowledging that no individual is indispensable, Diala emphasizes the strategic importance of retaining key allies, especially those who demonstrated unwavering loyalty and played pivotal roles in Tinubu’s ascent to power. He reminds the party of El-Rufai’s instrumental role in mobilizing northern support for Tinubu, a region that could have significantly altered the election outcome had they overwhelmingly backed their own candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The core of the discontent, according to Diala, lies in the perception of skewed political appointments, with northern elites feeling marginalized in favor of the South-West. He acknowledges the legitimacy of these concerns, emphasizing that politics, by nature, involves interests and rewards. While it’s understandable for groups to feel aggrieved when they perceive an imbalance in power distribution, he cautions against resorting to actions that could destabilize the government. Diala advocates for a consistent and principled approach in addressing grievances, regardless of their origin. He criticizes the double standard often applied, where concerns from the South-East are dismissed based on their voting patterns, while similar complaints from the North are met with accusations of entitlement or blackmail.
Looking ahead to 2027, Diala acknowledges the economic challenges facing the country and their potential impact on voter decisions. However, he believes there is still ample time to implement corrective measures and address the prevailing economic hardships. He urges the government to critically review its policies and make necessary adjustments to improve the lives of Nigerians. Diala also criticizes the unproductive infighting within the APC, suggesting that the focus should be on unity and constructive discussions about policies rather than personal attacks and tribal conflicts. He warns that the President’s ambitious reforms, however well-intentioned, will fail if they lack the support of the people.
Diala further elaborates on the perceived "Yorubanization" of Tinubu’s administration, a concern he previously raised in an article. He clarifies that his criticism isn’t directed at the President personally but at the way some of his supporters from the South-West project an image of him as a Yoruba president. Diala stresses the importance of recognizing Nigeria’s diverse ethnic makeup and the need for sensitivity in addressing regional concerns. He advises the President’s kinsmen to adopt a more cautious and understanding approach, recognizing that their actions are subject to intense scrutiny from other regions. Diala believes that true support for the President lies in being objective and considering the perspectives of all Nigerians.
Diala’s overarching message to President Tinubu is to prioritize the concerns of the people and ensure that his policies yield tangible results. He emphasizes the need for careful management of the APC to avoid alienating any members. He urges the President to leverage his political skills to reconcile with those who have legitimate grievances, especially in anticipation of the 2027 elections, which he predicts will be vastly different from 2023. Diala believes that attracting and retaining loyal allies, particularly those who have proven their commitment and delivered results in the past, is crucial for the party’s future success.
Regarding the opposition’s moves to form a coalition, Diala remains unconcerned, stating that his primary focus is on strengthening and unifying the APC. He believes that the party’s internal challenges pose a greater threat than external political maneuvers. Finally, Diala assesses the APC’s strength in the South-South and South-East. He acknowledges the PDP’s dominance in the South-East, highlighting the need for more effective strategies to expand the APC’s footprint. He also points out the importance of recognizing and rewarding the party’s loyal supporters in the region, particularly those who have faced significant risks and sacrifices. In the South-South, Diala sees a more fluid political landscape, particularly in Rivers State, where he believes the APC has opportunities to make significant gains if it plays its cards right. Overall, Diala’s analysis paints a picture of a party grappling with internal divisions and facing significant challenges in maintaining its political foothold across the country.
