APC sacrificed popularity for internal stability — Prof. Lanre Nurudeen

The emergence of Prof Nentawe Yiltwada as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to generate reactions within and outside the ruling party. In this interview, Associate Professor of Political Science and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Sikiru Lanre Nurudeen, speaks on the significance of the position, the […]

The emergence of Prof Nentawe Yiltwada as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to generate reactions within and outside the ruling party. In this interview, Associate Professor of Political Science and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Sikiru Lanre Nurudeen, speaks on the significance of the position, the implication of Nentawe’s emergence, and the evolving dynamics within the APC.

 

How important is the personality of a national chairman to the success of a political party?

The role of a national chairman cannot be underestimated. From inception, the APC has always had leaders who shaped its foundation and direction. The likes of Baba Bisi Akande, who was the interim chairman, John Odigie Oyegun, Adams Oshiomhole, Mai Mala Buni, and Abdullahi Ganduje all played defining roles.

The chairman’s capacity and character are critical. They help steer decisions that influence the party’s electoral fortunes. In this instance, I believe the decision to pick a Christian as chairman was deliberate, to dispel the notion that APC is a Muslim-Muslim party. Ganduje, a Muslim from Kano, was asked to step aside and a Christian from Plateau State was brought in. That is not coincidental.

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The new chairman was the party’s governorship candidate in Plateau during the last election and was later appointed minister. He is a professor, an engineer by profession, and a former staffer of INEC. These are strong antecedents that put him in a good position. He is young, energetic, and well-placed to drive the party forward.

Choosing him with about two years to the next transition gives enough time to prepare and respond to emerging party challenges.

 

There are concerns that Nentawe lacks political experience. What’s your take on this?

The chairman will operate within a structure and ultimately defer to the president, who is the leader of the party. Nothing major happens without the president’s concurrence. So, he is not alone. He will work with NEC, party caucuses, and stakeholders at all levels.

His age should be seen as an advantage. Born in 1968, he’s not even 60. He has been a university professor, a former INEC commissioner, a former minister, and a governorship candidate. So, he can’t be said to be inexperienced. The structures of the party are there to support him.

 

Compared with opposition figures like David Mark of the ADC, is he disadvantaged?

Let me respond with a rhetorical example. The current Minister of Interior is a young man and he is performing excellently. Many have said he’s doing better than his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola.

People like David Mark have had their time. He was made chairman of his party because of Atiku Abubakar, to serve his interest. But we do not need someone over 70 to lead a party. How old was Emmanuel Macron of France or Barack Obama when he became president?

Experience is important, but you don’t need to be a political Methuselah. As long as one has the requisite academic qualifications, professional competence, and the energy to lead, that is sufficient.

 

Some say the opposition leaders may be too politically experienced for him. Should APC have picked his match instead?

Those who settled for him must have had their reasons. His emergence is clearly the result of several considerations. The APC has blocs, including the CPC legacy group, who probably believed it was their turn to hold that position.

Names like the former governor of Nasarawa, Barnabas Gemade, and a senator from Niger State were also being considered. But picking any of them might have stirred another round of crisis. So perhaps a neutral figure like Nentawe was a safer option.

The considerations were not strictly merit-based. Political expediency, religion, ethnicity, and geopolitical balance were clearly at play. With talks of Rabiu Kwankwaso possibly emerging as running mate to President Tinubu in 2027, you now have a structure covering all key zones, Tinubu from the Southwest, a running mate from the Northwest, a party chairman from the North Central, and the Senate President from the South South. Even the East is covered with an APC governor in Imo State. So it’s strategic balancing.

 

Governors often hijack parties because of their financial clout. 

We cannot downplay the influence of governors in party affairs, especially in financing and structure. But in this case, the APC chairman is from a state where the PDP governs, so he doesn’t owe allegiance to a governor from his home state. President Tinubu is also not the kind of politician that will allow a governor to hijack the party. He is in firm control. Recall that before Nentawe was selected, the president called all 23 APC governors to Aso Rock. The chairman emerged through consensus.

So long as the governors’ interests are protected, they will cooperate. As for party funding, APC is the ruling party. There are various means to raise funds, and political patronage plays a key role. With the stakes so high in 2027, and given the kind of opposition that may emerge, I do not see governors taking control away from the president or his chosen chairman. Remember, Tinubu won the presidency despite enormous odds, including the cash crisis. He is not someone a governor can outmanoeuvre politically.

 

Can party discipline be assured under this structure?

Party discipline today is more about aligning with the party leader’s directives. In Awolowo’s days, discipline came from ideological commitment. Now, the leader is the disciplinarian. As long as you do what the leader wants, there is no problem.

 

What advice would you give political parties at this point?

They must begin preparations toward the next election. Closing ranks, drafting a sound manifesto, and building genuine connections with the electorate are key. We need a credible electoral system where votes count and reflect the people’s choices. Parties should also find legitimate means of funding and reduce overreliance on wealthy individuals. Members must have a say in party affairs. That will deepen internal democracy and credibility.