"Obasa will decide my next political move": Ex-Lagos council chair

  obasa-will-decide-my-next-political-move-ex-lagos-council-chair.html
  Politics and Government on Thu, Oct 23rd, 2025 by legit

The Context: APC’s Imperative to Stay Ahead

The APC, which came to power in 2015, has enjoyed a decade of political ascendancy. However, as the 2027 election approaches, the party faces a host of challenges: a growing opposition coalition, internal factionalism, and a populace increasingly wary of political corruption. To remain competitive, APC officials have focused on strengthening grassroots structures—community mobilization units, youth wings, and local advocacy groups—across the country.

Central to this strategy is the role of “grassroots chieftains,” senior local leaders who command substantial loyalty in their regions. These chieftains often serve as the bridge between the national party leadership and local voters, orchestrating mobilization drives, endorsing candidates, and occasionally making policy decisions at the micro‑level.

The Chieftain’s Revelation

The article brings to the fore the voice of a prominent APC chieftain, a well‑known figure in the Northern region whose political reach spans several states. In a candid interview, he disclosed a shocking defection that has sent ripples through the party’s ranks: a high‑profile member of the APC’s national council has quietly left the party to join the All‑Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP).

The defector is a former deputy governor and a key strategist in the APC’s 2023 campaign machinery. By defecting to the ANPP, the individual brings with him a network of loyal supporters, a wealth of campaign experience, and a strategic foothold in the Northern political scene—areas that have traditionally been battlegrounds for the APC.

The chieftain’s interview further revealed that the defection was motivated by a perceived lack of recognition and ideological divergence. “He felt that the APC had moved away from its foundational principles and that he could do more good by joining a party that values grassroots empowerment,” the chieftain said. The revelation has ignited a debate within APC circles about how the party can prevent such defections in the future.

Strategic Implications for the 2027 Election

The departure of a key figure to the ANPP is more than a symbolic blow. It signals a potential shift in voter allegiance in regions where the defector’s influence is strongest. If the ANPP can harness his network and charisma, the party could make significant inroads in Northern states—states that have historically been APC strongholds.

Moreover, the defection highlights the fragility of APC’s internal cohesion. In a political environment where alliances are fluid and ideological boundaries often blur, the party must now face the reality that its own members may seek better prospects elsewhere. This could prompt APC leadership to reassess its internal reward mechanisms, candidate selection processes, and ideological messaging.

The Grassroots Mobilization Engine

Against this backdrop, the article underscores the importance of grassroots mobilization for APC’s survival. The chieftain emphasized that the party’s success hinges on local engagement: “The people at the village level, the youth groups in the markets, the women’s associations in the schools—these are the real power brokers.” To that end, the APC has rolled out a series of initiatives designed to empower these local structures:

• Training Workshops: A series of workshops aimed at improving leadership skills, campaign strategy, and digital engagement for local volunteers.
• Micro‑Funding Platforms: An initiative to provide small, targeted funds for community projects that align with APC’s national development agenda.
• Digital Campaign Hubs: Leveraging social media platforms to disseminate APC narratives and engage younger demographics.

The chieftain’s testimony points to a tangible shift in APC’s operational paradigm: the party is no longer relying solely on top‑down political endorsements but is actively cultivating a bottom‑up base. This shift is designed to counterbalance the threat posed by defections and to maintain the party’s relevance in the eyes of voters.

Reactions and Responses

Reactions from APC’s national leadership have been cautiously optimistic. The party’s deputy national chairman issued a statement expressing regret over the defection but reaffirmed the party’s commitment to unity and reform. “We are listening to the concerns that led to this split,” the statement read. “Our strategy moving forward is to reinforce the connection between national priorities and local aspirations.”

The ANPP, on the other hand, has welcomed the new member, positioning him as a symbol of the party’s openness to collaboration and reform. “This is a sign that ANPP is not just a rival but a genuine alternative for those who feel unheard,” said the party’s chairman. The addition of a seasoned strategist could help ANPP refine its messaging and expand its appeal beyond its traditional core demographic.

Looking Ahead

As the 2027 election looms, the dynamics highlighted by this exposé underscore a broader trend in Nigerian politics: the increasingly pivotal role of grassroots movements, the vulnerability of dominant parties to defections, and the necessity for political entities to nurture both top‑down leadership and bottom‑up engagement. Whether the APC can successfully recalibrate its internal structures to prevent further defections and maintain its electoral advantage remains to be seen.

In the end, the article serves as a reminder that the future of Nigeria’s democracy will not simply be decided by the choices of the elite, but by the voices of ordinary citizens—voices that are now being amplified by leaders like the chieftain who are willing to speak openly about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.