APC National Secretary Declares Party as Nigeria’s Only Viable Election-Winning Machine Ahead of 2027

The National Secretary of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has made a bold declaration that the APC remains the only credible political platform capable of securing electoral victory in the country. Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Monday, Basiru dismissed opposition coalitions as politically ineffective and urged politicians seeking success in the 2027 general elections to align with the APC.

“The only veritable machinery for winning an election in Nigeria today is the APC,” Basiru stated emphatically. “In any event, it makes sense for anybody who is a politician and wants to win an election to align with the APC.”

Basiru did not mince words when addressing opposition groups, describing them as lacking the organizational structure and grassroots reach necessary for electoral success. “All other political concussions, calling themselves coalitions or something like that, they are not veritable election machinery. They are just, I mean, comedians and jokers,” he said.

His comments come at a critical juncture as the APC commences its National Assembly primary elections across the country ahead of the 2027 polls. The primaries have already produced significant upsets, with several incumbent lawmakers losing their return tickets amid intense local contests and shifting political alliances.

The House of Representatives primaries were held nationwide on Saturday after a one-day postponement, while Senate primaries began on Monday. The process has reportedly led to major changes within the party, reflecting the dynamic nature of Nigerian politics where incumbency does not guarantee automatic renomination.

Assessing the conduct of the primaries, Basiru expressed satisfaction with the party’s performance in terms of organization and inclusiveness. “I will say by and large from the reports that we have received from the primary done so far, that is the House of Representatives and the Senate, I think I will score our party very high in terms of organisation and in terms of the outcome of the exercise,” he said.

Direct Primaries as a Tool for Democratic Inclusion

The APC scribe defended the party’s adoption of direct primaries in many constituencies, describing it as a demonstration of democratic participation. According to him, party members across the country were directly involved in choosing candidates, ensuring that the process reflects the will of the grassroots.

“Even in instances where we have only one gladiator, we allow our members from all the wards to come and say what they want to see about that. That is the height of democratic inclusion,” Basiru stated.

This approach, while resource-intensive, is seen as a way to reduce the influence of godfatherism and elite manipulation in candidate selection. By allowing every registered party member to vote, the APC aims to build internal legitimacy and reduce post-primary disputes.

Acknowledging Dissatisfaction While Defending Transparency

While acknowledging that some members might express dissatisfaction with aspects of the process, Basiru maintained that the exercise had remained largely peaceful and transparent. “Of course, just like any process, there will be some people who will only see the negative side of what has happened. Of course, it’s part of the process,” he said, adding that “the exercise has been very peaceful, the exercise has been very inclusive, and the exercise has been very engaging.”

This recognition of potential grievances is important, as internal party disputes often spill into the public domain and can weaken a party’s electoral prospects. By framing these as normal parts of any democratic process, Basiru seeks to manage expectations and maintain party unity.

Challenging Opposition Parties to Match APC’s Openness

Basiru also challenged other political parties to match the APC’s level of openness during their own primaries, insisting that the ruling party remained the most visible and organised political structure in the country. This challenge is significant given Nigeria’s history of opaque candidate selection processes, where party leaders often handpick candidates without meaningful input from members.

For opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and the emerging coalition of opposition groups, the APC’s claim of superior organization presents both a challenge and an opportunity. If they can demonstrate equally transparent and inclusive primaries, they may be able to counter the APC’s narrative of being the only viable electoral machine.

However, Basiru’s dismissal of opposition coalitions as “comedians and jokers” reflects a broader strategy of delegitimizing alternative political platforms. This rhetoric is common in Nigerian politics, where parties often seek to project strength and inevitability to attract defectors and undecided voters.

Practical Implications for Politicians and Voters

For politicians considering their options ahead of 2027, Basiru’s message is clear: joining the APC offers the best path to electoral success. This is particularly relevant for incumbent governors, lawmakers, and local government chairmen who may be weighing their options as party realignments intensify.

For voters, the APC’s claim of being the only viable election-winning machine raises important questions about democratic choice and political competition. A healthy democracy requires multiple credible alternatives, and the dominance of a single party can lead to complacency and reduced accountability.

As the 2027 elections approach, the APC’s organizational strength will be tested against the ability of opposition parties to form effective coalitions and present compelling alternatives to voters. The outcome of the current primaries will provide early indicators of the party’s internal health and its capacity to maintain its electoral dominance.

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