APC NASS Primaries: Gbajabiamila and Masari Appointed to Supervise – A Deeper Look at the Strategy

In a decisive move that underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s hands-on approach to party management, the President has officially tapped his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari, to oversee the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly (NASS) primaries. This appointment, reported by Abiola Olawale, comes at a critical juncture as the ruling party navigates a high-stakes primary season ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Why This Appointment Matters: Context and Implications

The decision to place two of Tinubu’s most trusted lieutenants at the helm of the NASS primaries is not merely administrative—it is a strategic power play. The primaries will determine which candidates fly the APC flag in the Senate and House of Representatives, shaping the legislative agenda for years to come. By appointing Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House with deep legislative experience, and Masari, a seasoned political strategist, Tinubu is signaling that he intends to maintain tight control over the party’s internal selection process.

Femi Gbajabiamila: The Legislative Architect

Gbajabiamila’s role as Chief of Staff already places him at the center of executive-legislative relations. His appointment to supervise the primaries leverages his intimate knowledge of parliamentary dynamics and his network of relationships across party lines. For example, during his tenure as Speaker, Gbajabiamila successfully navigated contentious debates on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Electoral Act Amendment, demonstrating his ability to broker compromises. In the context of the primaries, his presence ensures that the process aligns with the President’s legislative priorities, such as economic reform and security sector overhaul.

Ibrahim Masari: The Political Strategist

Masari, a former Director of Strategic Communications for the APC, brings a different but equally critical skill set. His expertise lies in grassroots mobilization and party discipline. During the 2022 APC presidential primaries, Masari played a key role in managing internal dissent and ensuring a smooth nomination process. His appointment to supervise the NASS primaries suggests that Tinubu is prioritizing loyalty and organizational cohesion over factional interests. For instance, in states where the party is deeply divided—such as Zamfara or Rivers—Masari’s presence could help mediate disputes and prevent the kind of parallel primaries that have plagued the APC in the past.

The High-Stakes Primary Season: What’s at Risk?

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set a tight timeline for party primaries, with the APC expected to conclude its NASS primaries within weeks. The stakes are enormous: the party currently holds a majority in both chambers, but internal divisions over zoning, incumbency, and candidate selection threaten to undermine its electoral prospects. A poorly managed primary could lead to defections, legal challenges, or a loss of public confidence—all of which would weaken the party’s position heading into the general elections.

Practical Example: The 2019 APC Primaries

To understand the importance of this appointment, consider the 2019 APC NASS primaries. In several states, the party’s failure to manage internal conflicts resulted in multiple candidates claiming victory, leading to protracted court battles and, in some cases, the eventual loss of seats to opposition parties. For example, in Ogun State, the APC’s inability to resolve a dispute between Governor Ibikunle Amosun and the national leadership led to the emergence of rival candidates, ultimately costing the party two Senate seats. By appointing Gbajabiamila and Masari, Tinubu is attempting to avoid a repeat of such scenarios.

What This Means for APC Candidates and Voters

For aspiring candidates, the message is clear: loyalty to the President and the party’s national leadership will be a key criterion for success. Incumbents who have fallen out of favor with the administration may find themselves sidelined, while new entrants with strong ties to Gbajabiamila or Masari could gain an advantage. For voters, the primaries will be a test of the party’s commitment to internal democracy. If the process is perceived as transparent and fair, it could boost the APC’s credibility; if not, it may further erode public trust in the political system.

Broader Implications for Nigerian Politics

This development also highlights a broader trend in Nigerian politics: the centralization of power within the presidency. By personally selecting the supervisors of the NASS primaries, Tinubu is asserting his authority over the party’s legislative wing, a move that could have long-term implications for the separation of powers. Critics argue that this undermines the independence of the legislature, while supporters contend that it ensures coherence in the party’s agenda. Regardless of one’s perspective, it is clear that the 2023 primaries will be a defining moment for the APC and for Nigerian democracy.

Conclusion: A Calculated Move with Far-Reaching Consequences

President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Femi Gbajabiamila and Ibrahim Masari to supervise the APC NASS primaries is a calculated move that reflects his strategic priorities: legislative alignment, party discipline, and electoral success. As the primaries unfold, all eyes will be on how these two figures navigate the complex web of interests within the party. Their success—or failure—will not only shape the composition of the next National Assembly but also set the tone for Tinubu’s presidency.

For more insights and updates on this developing story, visit the original article at The New Diplomat. All credit goes to the original author, Abiola Olawale. For further reading, check the source link.

[[PEAI_MEDIA_X]]