APC Consolidates Grassroots Structure with Peaceful Congresses, Rivers By-Election Wins
Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress conducted peaceful local government congresses across Delta and Ondo states while securing both seats in Rivers State Assembly by-elections, strengthening its organizational capacity ahead of future electoral contests.
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Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has demonstrated organizational strength through successful local government congresses in multiple states and victories in Rivers State legislative by-elections, marking a period of consolidation for the party's grassroots structures.
The party on Saturday conducted Local Government Area congresses across Delta and Ondo states, with executives elected through consensus arrangements that party officials described as peaceful and inclusive. These internal elections come as political parties across Nigeria prepare for the 2027 general elections cycle, making grassroots organizational capacity a strategic priority.
Consensus Model Delivers Peaceful Congresses
In Delta State, the APC successfully conducted congresses across all 25 local government areas, with party executives emerging through consensus arrangements, according to The Nation Newspaper. The process marked a departure from the contentious internal elections that have previously plagued Nigerian political parties, where competing factions often result in parallel congresses and prolonged legal disputes.
Similarly, Ondo State witnessed peaceful congresses across its 18 local government areas, with party members and stakeholders expressing satisfaction with the process, The Nation reported. The consensus approach adopted by the party appears designed to minimize internal conflicts that could weaken the APC's position in states where it faces strong opposition.
The use of consensus in party congresses has become increasingly common in Nigerian politics, though critics argue it can marginalize dissenting voices and concentrate power among party elites. However, proponents contend that consensus-building promotes party unity and prevents the factional disputes that have weakened opposition parties in recent years.
Rivers By-Elections Extend APC Legislative Gains
The APC's organizational activities coincided with electoral success in Rivers State, where the party won both seats contested in February 21 by-elections for the State House of Assembly. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Ukalikpe Napoleon winner of the Ahoada East State Constituency II seat, according to The Nation Newspaper, while the party also secured the Khana State Constituency II seat.
Vanguard News reported that the by-elections were characterized by low voter turnout and late arrival of electoral materials, reflecting persistent logistical challenges that have affected Nigerian elections. The victories nonetheless strengthen the APC's position in the Rivers State House of Assembly, a legislature that has been at the center of political tensions in the oil-rich state.
Rivers State has experienced significant political turbulence in recent years, with conflicts between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Federal Capital Territory Minister, creating factional divisions within the state's political landscape. The APC's by-election victories occur against this backdrop of political realignment, as defections and counter-defections have reshaped legislative arithmetic in the state assembly.
Strategic Implications for 2027 Electoral Cycle
The simultaneous focus on internal party structures and electoral contests reflects the APC's dual strategy of consolidating existing positions while expanding its geographical footprint. Delta State, traditionally dominated by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), represents a key expansion target for the ruling party, making strong local government structures essential for future electoral competitiveness.
In Ondo State, where the APC currently holds the governorship, the peaceful congresses aim to prevent internal divisions that could jeopardize the party's dominance in the 2027 gubernatorial election. Nigerian political history demonstrates that ruling parties often face their most serious challenges from internal factionalism rather than external opposition.
The Rivers State by-election results, despite low turnout, provide the APC with increased legislative representation in a state where it has historically struggled against PDP dominance. The party's ability to mobilize voters in these contests, even amid logistical challenges, suggests improving organizational capacity in the South-South geopolitical zone.
As Nigeria's political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, the APC's focus on grassroots structures and legislative gains indicates a strategy of incremental consolidation. Whether this approach can overcome the economic challenges facing the country and voter dissatisfaction with governance outcomes will determine the party's electoral prospects in the coming cycle. The success of consensus arrangements in preventing internal conflicts may also influence how other parties approach their own organizational processes in the months ahead.