“Numerous Interests Will Trigger Crisis” — NNPP Predicts Implosion in APC

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has predicted an impending implosion within the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that “numerous interests” within the ruling party could trigger internal crises during its forthcoming ward congresses and national convention.

Oladipo Johnson, National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, said managing competing interests within the APC would pose a serious challenge as the party prepares for the exercises.

“Of course, the fewer your members are, the fewer interests you have to manage as a party, and the less complex those interests become,” he said.

“Over time, the APC has continued to accommodate all kinds of people by various means, including pressure and other tactics. Organising ward congresses and conventions will, therefore, pose a serious challenge for the party.

“Because of the numerous interests, the party will not be able to allocate key positions to satisfy all stakeholders, and as a result, it will face internal crises,” he added.

According to the APC’s timetable, ward congresses are scheduled for February 18, while the national convention will hold from March 27 to March 28.

However, the APC dismissed concerns of internal strife, assuring members and Nigerians that the processes would be transparent, credible and reflective of internal democracy.

Bala Ibrahim, APC Director of Publicity, said preparations were in full swing and expressed confidence that the exercises would strengthen party unity.

His words: “Preparations are in full swing. Our party, its leaders, and other stakeholders are determined to organise free, fair, credible, and peaceful processes that will once again showcase the beauty of democracy by ensuring outcomes that are acceptable to all.

“The ward congresses and the convention will reflect the progressive nature of the APC. We have done this successfully in the past and have demonstrated to Nigerians how organised and forward-looking we are in conducting rancour-free exercises. We will do so again; this will not be an exception.

“Other political parties will have reasons to learn from the APC on how to organise ward congresses and conventions that are peaceful and well-coordinated. Rather than create division, these congresses and the convention will strengthen and enhance the unity of our party.”