By Moses Gbata, Lafia
The internal dynamics of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State are currently facing significant challenges, particularly regarding consensus or candidate selections for this year’s local government elections in the State scheduled for Saturday November 2nd.
The process, once intended to foster consensus and build unity, has left many party members disillusioned, with a growing perception of injustice and exclusion. The lost trust in leadership, poor party engagement, and allegations of financial manipulation are eroding the party’s foundation, threatening its future cohesion and electoral success.
At the heart of the current unrest is the tension between consensus and imposition. Consensus, in its ideal form, is meant to be a democratic tool that unites members by collectively agreeing on a candidate who reflects the party’s values and has the potential to lead effectively.
However, many party members argue that in practice, consensus has become a mere facade for imposition. Rather than fostering open dialogue and consultation, the process often appears predetermined, with influential power brokers and financial interests dictating outcomes behind closed doors. This perception of imposition breeds resentment and distrust. When members feel their voices are ignored or their choices manipulated, the legitimacy of leadership is called into question. As a result, the party risks alienating its grassroots base, leading to internal fractures that weaken its capacity to mobilize effectively during elections.
Another major issue plaguing the APC in Nasarawa State is the lack of meaningful engagement with party members, particularly at the grassroots level. In a political system where local mobilization is crucial for electoral success, sidelining these key stakeholders could prove disastrous. Members report feeling disconnected from the decision-making processes and express frustration at what they perceive as a top-down approach that marginalizes their contributions.
Poor communication further exacerbates the problem. When the rationale behind candidate selections is not transparently conveyed, confusion and speculation abound. This lack of clarity opens the door to accusations of favoritism, bribery, and imposition, leaving many members feeling disenfranchised. In some cases, it may even drive loyal members to seek alternatives, either by aligning with opposition parties or disengaging from the political process altogether.
One of the most damaging factors in the current climate is the growing belief that financial clout, rather than merit, determines who secures party nominations. The notion that the “highest payer” takes the deal is becoming a widespread narrative among APC members in Nasarawa State. This perception is particularly harmful, as it suggests that political leadership is for sale, undermining the core democratic values of fairness, transparency, and representation.
When financial power supersedes merit, it diminishes the credibility of the entire selection process. Genuine candidates with strong leadership potential but limited financial resources are often overlooked in favor of those who can afford to ‘buy’ influence. This approach not only disrespects the party’s principles but also creates a breeding ground for corruption, ultimately jeopardizing the party’s long-term survival.
The combined effects of lost trust, poor engagement, and financial manipulation are creating a precarious situation for the APC.
The disillusionment of many members has led to growing fears that the party is on the brink of collapse. If these internal crises are not addressed swiftly and decisively, the APC may find itself facing a weakened structure going into the 2024 LGC elections, or worse, a fragmented party unable to present a united front.
For any party to thrive, particularly one with a history of electoral success like the APC, the foundation must rest on transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness. Without these, the party risks alienating not just its members but also the electorate, who are becoming increasingly aware of the internal disarray.
To prevent further damage and ensure its future, the APC leadership in Nasarawa State must take urgent steps to reform the candidate selection process. This begins with addressing the concerns of imposition and ensuring that consensus is truly representative of party members’ wishes, not a tool for advancing the interests of a few.
Rebuilding trust will also require greater transparency in how candidates are chosen, with clear communication about the criteria and process involved. Engaging the grassroots base in a more meaningful way, by involving them in decision-making and creating platforms for dialogue, will help restore a sense of ownership and loyalty among members.
Lastly, the party must confront the issue of financial influence head-on. Enforcing stricter regulations and ensuring that money does not dictate nominations will restore credibility to the selection process and ensure that candidates are chosen based on merit, not their bank accounts.
The current crisis within the APC in Nasarawa State is a critical test of the party’s ability to adapt and reform. The path forward must be one of transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness if the party is to regain the trust of its members and succeed in the 2024 elections. The time for change is now, before the party’s disillusionment leads to its unraveling. Only by confronting these internal challenges can the APC hope to present a strong, united front capable of winning at the local and state levels.
A stitch in time saves nine says the wise ones.
Peoplesmind