Defections Won’t Break APC — Party Chieftain

Spread the love

The Deputy National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chidi Duru, has refuted claims that the ruling party is on the brink of internal collapse ahead of the 2027 general elections despite the increasing number of opposition governors and lawmakers defecting to the party.

In an interview with Sunday Punch, Duru stated that the APC’s strong internal discipline, structured framework and unwavering commitment to its constitution continue to provide stability and cohesion within the party.

Concerns about a possible crisis have intensified recently following a surge of defections from opposition parties into the APC.

Kola Ologbondiyan, a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, previously warned that the APC might struggle to manage what he described as impending internal contradictions.

Similarly, Solomon Dalung, a former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and ex-APC stalwart, predicted that the party could face turbulence before the 2027 general elections.

Responding, Duru dismissed such predictions as baseless and inconsistent with the reality of the APC’s internal operations.

“I’m not aware of those anticipating an implosion within the APC. What I do know is that the APC operates with an established hierarchical structure, discipline, and clear adherence to our constitution and guiding ideology,” he said.

He noted that all party organs remain active across the country, providing platforms for engagement, consultations, and conflict resolution.

“At every level—from ward to local government, senatorial, state and national—our organs hold regular meetings,” Duru explained.

“At the national level, we have the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee, which is the highest decision-making body of the party.”

Duru said the APC has maintained an unusually high level of internal consultation, especially at senior leadership levels.

“To our credit, last year (2025), we held almost three or four NEC meetings—an uncommon level of engagement—to review issues and developments within the party,” he noted.

He added that the transparency of these meetings enables members to discuss matters affecting them individually as well as those impacting the party’s direction.

Duru also rejected suggestions that defecting politicians were merely using the APC as an election vehicle.

He said, “Those who have joined the APC recognise the value of the party’s structure, organisation and principles. That is why many are choosing to align with us.

“While it is understandable that some may assume these politicians are using the APC solely to contest elections, that is not necessarily the case.”

He argued that many defectors—particularly governors—have enough political strength to run for office under other platforms if they wished.