Baba-Ahmed: APC’s Strength Lies in Power Not Popular Roots

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Nigeria’s political landscape came under renewed scrutiny after former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed argued that the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) owes much of its strength to those already in positions of authority rather than widespread grassroots enthusiasm.

Speaking during a televised political discussion, Baba-Ahmed challenged prevailing assumptions that electoral dominance automatically reflects national popularity. He suggested that equating the number of states controlled by a party with genuine public acceptance oversimplifies Nigeria’s complex political realities.

According to him, the expansion of the ruling party has largely followed a pattern shaped by elite political migration. Instead of growing steadily through voter mobilisation, he said, many influential figures—including governors and federal lawmakers—have transitioned into the APC from rival parties, thereby expanding its institutional footprint.

He maintained that such defections create an impression of overwhelming political strength while leaving unanswered questions about voter-driven loyalty. In his view, party structures strengthened primarily through office holders may not always reflect the sentiments of ordinary citizens.

Baba-Ahmed noted that the ruling party currently exercises authority across more than twenty states, making it the most dominant political organisation in Nigeria. However, he warned that political reach should not be mistaken for emotional or ideological connection with the electorate.

At another point in the discussion, he remarked that assuming nationwide influence simply because of territorial political control can be misleading, stressing that electoral victories and grassroots legitimacy are fundamentally different concepts.

The former adviser further argued that the APC’s internal configuration appears to favour incumbency power. He described the party as one that thrives on access to government structures, raising concerns about whether institutional advantage has replaced organic public engagement as the primary driver of growth.

While acknowledging the party’s undeniable dominance, Baba-Ahmed suggested that its relationship with everyday Nigerians remains uncertain, prompting deeper reflection about how political parties build trust and sustain democratic legitimacy.

Commentary and Analysis

Baba-Ahmed’s remarks tap into a long-standing debate within Nigerian politics: whether party dominance arises from ideological alignment with citizens or from the strategic movement of political elites. Nigeria’s history of frequent defections has often blurred the line between voter loyalty and political survival strategies.

Observers note that when elected officials migrate collectively to ruling parties, political strength can expand rapidly without corresponding grassroots mobilisation. This dynamic may produce stability in governance but also raises questions about accountability and representation.

His argument also highlights a broader democratic issue—political legitimacy is not measured solely by the number of states governed but by sustained public engagement, policy responsiveness, and citizen trust. A party heavily populated by office holders risks appearing institutional rather than participatory.

Ultimately, the discussion underscores an evolving challenge for Nigeria’s political system: balancing political consolidation with authentic citizen connection. Whether the APC—or any dominant party—can convert institutional power into lasting popular support remains a central question ahead of future elections.