Assessing Nigeria’s Political Party Leadership: APC, ADC, and PDP Face Critical Transitions

Interim Leadership Across Major Parties

Between June 27 and July 24, Nigeria’s three major political parties – the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – found themselves under interim leadership arrangements. This unusual situation occurred as the parties underwent transitions in their national chairmanship positions.

The APC saw Deputy National Secretary Ali Bukar Dalori step in as acting chairman following Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s resignation. Meanwhile, the ADC appointed former Senate President David Mark as interim chairman in early July, while the PDP maintained Umar Damagum as acting national chairman.

APC’s New Leadership Direction

With the confirmation of Yilwatda Nentawe as APC chairman on July 24, the ruling party emerged from its interim phase just as Nigeria approaches another election cycle. The PDP has signaled its intention to resolve its leadership situation by scheduling a convention for December.

Political analysts note the ADC’s interim arrangement makes strategic sense as the party works to reorganize and position itself for the 2027 elections after attracting significant defectors from other parties.

Surprise Choice in APC Leadership

Nentawe’s selection came as a surprise to many observers, as his name hadn’t featured prominently among likely successors until recently. This decision has introduced new dynamics to APC’s internal politics and altered the national political landscape.

Traditionally, parties consider opponents’ leadership when selecting their own to ensure competitive balance. However, the APC appears to have disregarded this convention by choosing a relatively unknown figure compared to the experienced leaders heading other major parties.

Contrasting Party Profiles

The development creates an interesting paradox: Nigeria’s ruling party is now led by a political newcomer, while the smaller ADC boasts a nationally recognized figure in David Mark. This contrast sets up intriguing dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.

ADC’s Political Journey

The African Democratic Congress has established itself as the most prominent of Nigeria’s smaller parties. While it hasn’t won governorship elections, it has consistently fielded presidential candidates who achieved respectable vote counts:

• 2007: Prof Patrick Utomi (50,849 votes, 4th place)
• 2011: Rev Peter Nwangwu (51,682 votes, 8th place)
• 2015: Late banker Obadiah Mailafia (97,874 votes, 4th place)

APC’s Dominance and New Challenges

Since its formation, the APC has dominated Nigerian politics, winning presidential elections in 2015, 2019, and 2023 while displacing the PDP as the majority party at both federal and state levels. The party currently controls 23 states and holds legislative majorities.

However, Nentawe’s appointment breaks from APC tradition. Unlike previous chairs, he doesn’t belong to any established power bloc within the party – neither the legacy groups that formed the APC nor the influential former governors’ forum.

Experience Gap Among Party Leaders

Analysts highlight the experience disparity between Nentawe and other party chairs:

• ADC’s David Mark: Retired military officer, former governor, minister, and 20-year Senate veteran including 8 years as Senate President
• PDP’s Umar Damagum: Longtime politician who rose through party ranks to deputy national chairman
• APC’s Nentawe: Former lecturer and INEC commissioner with limited political experience

Nentawe’s Background and Controversies

As INEC’s Resident Commissioner in Benue State during the 2019 elections, Nentawe presided over the controversial declaration of the governorship election as inconclusive despite a significant vote margin. This decision drew criticism from the PDP.

Before entering politics, Nentawe was known for philanthropic work including scholarship programs and infrastructure development in education. His 2023 gubernatorial bid in Plateau State, supported by then-Governor Simon Lalong, ended in a close loss to PDP’s Caleb Muftwang.

David Mark’s Political Pedigree

The ADC’s interim chairman brings unparalleled experience:

• Five-time election winner including 20 consecutive years in the Senate
• Nigeria’s longest-serving Senate President (8 years)
• Key role in stabilizing Nigeria during President Yar’Adua’s illness through the “Doctrine of Necessity”
• Oversaw significant constitutional amendments and constituency projects

Expert Perspectives on Leadership Changes

Political analysts offer mixed views on the implications of these leadership transitions:

Professor Kamilu Sani Fage of Bayero University Kano notes that while leadership changes could benefit both APC and ADC, success depends on adopting democratic values and policies that reflect public interest. He warns that APC faces significant internal challenges dating back to the Buhari era.

Sheriff Omotayo of University of Jos suggests that in Nigeria’s current political climate, party chairs have become extensions of the executive branch, diminishing the importance of individual leadership qualities.

Political observer Abubakar Haruna highlights the experience gap between Nentawe and other chairs but notes that with presidential support, the APC leader could still succeed.

The Evolving Role of Party Chairmen

The power and influence of party chairmen have diminished significantly since Nigeria’s Second Republic, when figures like NPN’s Meredith Akinloye wielded substantial authority even over elected officials.

Today, presidents and governors typically control party affairs, with chairmen often serving at their pleasure. This trend became evident when PDP chairman Bamanga Tukur’s attempt to assert party supremacy over governors led to his eventual removal.

Analysts suggest President Tinubu’s frequent changes in APC leadership – three chairmen in under two and a half years – mirrors former President Obasanjo’s approach of maintaining tight control over party structures.

As Nigeria moves toward 2027, the effectiveness of these new party leaders – particularly the APC’s untested chairman against the ADC’s veteran politician – will significantly influence the political landscape and electoral outcomes.

Credit: Daily Trust – Original Article