All Progressives Congress (APC)

Formation and History

The All Progressives Congress (APC) was formed on February 6, 2013, through a merger of Nigeria's three largest opposition parties and a faction of a fourth:

• Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)
• Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)
• All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)
• A faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)

The merger was unprecedented in Nigerian politics and was driven by the desire to create a strong opposition platform capable of challenging the then-ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP), which had held power since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999.

Key figures in the formation of the APC included Bola Tinubu (former Lagos State Governor), Muhammadu Buhari (former military head of state), Atiku Abubakar (former Vice President), and several sitting governors from the merging parties.

Electoral Success

The APC achieved a historic victory in the 2015 general elections, with Muhammadu Buhari defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. This marked the first time in Nigeria's history that an opposition party defeated a ruling party at the federal level through the ballot box.

Key electoral milestones include:

• 2015 Elections: Won the presidency and majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives
• 2019 Elections: Retained the presidency and parliamentary majority for a second term
• 2023 Elections: Won the presidency with Bola Tinubu as candidate, maintaining control of the federal government for a third consecutive term

The party has also controlled a majority of state governorships since 2015, though the exact number has fluctuated due to off-cycle elections and defections.

Ideology and Policy Positions

The APC identifies as a progressive party with center-left leanings. Its policy positions have included:

• Economic Policy: Focus on infrastructure development, diversification of the economy away from oil dependence, and social investment programs
• Anti-Corruption: Strong emphasis on fighting corruption and recovering looted funds
• Security: Commitment to tackling insurgency, banditry, and other security challenges
• Social Welfare: Implementation of social safety net programs like the Social Investment Programme, including N-Power, TraderMoni, and school feeding programs
• Federalism: Support for a stronger federal system with some devolution of powers to states

Party Structure

The APC operates with a hierarchical structure at national, state, local government, and ward levels:

• National Executive Committee (NEC): The highest decision-making body of the party
• National Working Committee (NWC): Responsible for day-to-day administration of the party
• Board of Trustees (BoT): Advisory body comprising party elders and founding members
• State, Local Government, and Ward Executives: Replicate the national structure at lower levels
• Progressive Governors' Forum: Platform for APC governors to coordinate policies and positions

Key Figures

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its electoral successes, the APC has faced several challenges and criticisms:

• Internal Conflicts: The party has experienced factional disputes and power struggles at both national and state levels
• Policy Implementation: Critics argue that the party has struggled to fully implement its campaign promises, particularly in areas of economic development and security
• Ideological Coherence: As a merger of different political groups, the APC has sometimes been criticized for lacking a clear, consistent ideology
• Defections: The party has experienced both gains and losses through political defections, raising questions about the commitment of some members to its principles
• Governance Challenges: The APC-led federal government has faced criticism for its handling of economic challenges, security issues, and corruption allegations

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of 2023, the APC remains Nigeria's ruling party at the federal level, with Bola Tinubu as President. The party faces several challenges and opportunities:

• Policy Implementation: The Tinubu administration faces the challenge of implementing its "Renewed Hope" agenda amid economic challenges and security concerns
• Party Consolidation: The APC continues to work on strengthening its structures and resolving internal conflicts
• Opposition Politics: The party faces a reinvigorated opposition, particularly from the PDP and Labour Party
• 2027 Elections: The APC will need to maintain unity and demonstrate policy successes to position itself for the next general elections