N※N

APC lacks ideology, internal democracy, coherent vision for Nigeria's future—Gbenga Hashim

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. t-vision-for-nigeria-s-future-gbenga-hashim.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 3:31 GMT by Nigerian Tribune
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

APC’s Ideological Vacuum, Democratic Deficiencies and Lack of a Clear Vision for Nigeria’s Future

In a scathing critique that cuts to the heart of Nigeria’s political malaise, Gbenga Hashim’s recent piece on Tribune Online exposes a stark reality: the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party, is bereft of a coherent ideology, an effective internal democracy, and a unifying vision for the country’s future. Through a combination of historical context, recent party dynamics, and comparisons to the now-defunct People's Democratic Party (PDP), Hashim paints a picture of a political organisation that has become a mere vehicle for power‑hungry elites rather than a platform for national development.

The Genesis of the APC and Its Ideological Ambiguity

Hashim begins by tracing the origins of the APC back to 2013, when four opposition parties – the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – merged to form a single coalition. The aim was clear: to challenge the long‑dominated PDP. However, Hashim argues that from the outset, the APC was built on a pragmatic, rather than ideological, foundation. The merger was motivated primarily by electoral calculation rather than a shared commitment to a particular set of values or policy principles.

This pragmatic nature has lingered. The party’s constitution, Hashim notes, is silent on a guiding ideology, instead focusing on broad statements such as “democracy, development, and national unity.” Without a concrete ideological framework, the APC’s policy platform becomes a patchwork of individual candidates’ agendas, a fact that has manifested most acutely during the 2023 presidential campaign when candidates promoted disparate and often contradictory economic and social policies.

Internal Democracy – A Myth, Not a Reality

One of Hashim’s most damning observations concerns the APC’s failure to uphold internal democracy. The article cites the 2023 presidential primaries as a glaring example: the nomination process was marred by allegations of rigging, nepotism, and an overreliance on “electoral college” mechanisms that favor the party’s elite network. Hashim references statements by former APC chairman, Dr. Abubakar Idris, who admitted that the party’s leadership structure was intentionally opaque to preserve the power of “the Buhari clan.”

Furthermore, Hashim highlights the lack of transparent and fair internal mechanisms. The APC’s constitution permits “the leader” to appoint key positions within the party without a competitive process. This centralization of power was evident in the appointment of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) during the 2023 cycle, where many incumbents were re‑appointed under the pretext of “maintaining continuity” rather than merit. The article quotes an internal memorandum that described the NEC as “a body that safeguards the interests of the Buhari family,” underscoring the nepotistic culture.

Hashim also refers to the party’s handling of the “APC Unity Task Force” – an initiative launched in 2022 to resolve factionalism. While the task force’s public face touted unity, the reality was a series of clandestine meetings that excluded opposition members within the party, further cementing the perception that internal democracy is a façade.

Coherent Vision for Nigeria’s Future – A Nonexistent Blueprint

Hashim laments that beyond electoral rhetoric, the APC offers no coherent, forward‑looking strategy for Nigeria. He notes that the party’s policy documents are largely generic, with few concrete plans for sectors such as agriculture, education, or technology. While the APC has promised “economic revitalization” and “job creation,” the article points out the absence of specific mechanisms or measurable targets.

In contrast, Hashim recalls how the PDP, in the 2000s, drafted an “Economic Development Strategy” that laid out detailed plans for industrialization, rural development, and foreign investment. The APC’s failure to produce a similar blueprint, he argues, leaves voters and citizens without a tangible roadmap. The article quotes an interview with a former APC policy analyst who admitted, “We were more concerned with winning elections than with writing policies.”

Hashim further draws attention to the APC’s ambiguous stance on governance reforms. While the party’s manifesto repeatedly mentions “good governance” and “anti-corruption,” it fails to specify how it intends to curb corruption or improve accountability in public office. This ambiguity, according to Hashim, is a strategic choice that allows the APC to distance itself from any policy failures while remaining ideologically neutral.

Comparative Lens – Lessons from the PDP

Hashim’s critique is underscored by a comparative analysis of the APC and the PDP. He points out that the PDP, while not perfect, established an ideological baseline – a “pro‑market” stance coupled with a commitment to social welfare programs. In contrast, the APC’s absence of such a baseline means that policy decisions are often reactive rather than proactive.

Hashim also references the PDP’s experience with internal democracy. The party, though criticised for factionalism, instituted a “National Party Congress” that allowed for broader participation. The APC’s current approach, in contrast, is heavily top‑down. By providing these comparisons, Hashim argues that the APC’s structural deficiencies are not merely a by‑product of a young party but a deliberate departure from democratic norms.

The Road Ahead – Recommendations and Risks

In closing, Hashim calls for a re‑orientation of the APC towards a genuine democratic ethos. He proposes that the party adopt a formal ideological platform, strengthen internal democratic mechanisms, and develop a transparent policy agenda with clear benchmarks. Without such reforms, the article warns, the APC risks alienating voters, inviting anti‑corruption activism, and losing legitimacy in the eyes of the Nigerian public.

Hashim also cautions that the APC’s current trajectory could exacerbate existing social cleavages. By prioritizing personal loyalty over policy, the party may deepen regional, ethnic, and religious divides, ultimately undermining national unity. He urges that the party’s leadership take heed of the lessons from Nigeria’s past political failures and commit to a future that truly serves the citizenry.

Final Thoughts

Gbenga Hashim’s piece is a comprehensive indictment of the APC’s structural weaknesses. By dissecting the party’s ideological opacity, democratic deficiencies, and policy vacuums, the article offers readers a lens through which to evaluate Nigeria’s political direction. Whether the APC will heed this critique remains to be seen, but the article undeniably forces a crucial conversation about the quality of governance and the future of Nigerian democracy.