APC Chieftain Dismisses Fears of Implosion Amid Influx

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed growing concerns that the party is heading for a catastrophic internal collapse following a wave of defections from opposition governors and lawmakers. Chidi Duru, the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, stated in a Sunday interview that the APC’s robust internal discipline and commitment to its hierarchical structure would prevent the “looming turbulence” predicted by critics.

This response comes amid sharp warnings from political observers, including former PDP spokesperson Kola Ologbondiyan and ex-Minister Solomon Dalung. Both recently argued that the ruling party is becoming a “crowded house” of conflicting interests that will inevitably clash as the 2027 general elections approach. Duru, however, characterized these fears as detached from the reality of the party’s day-to-day operations.

Duru maintained that the APC is uniquely governed by an established order that demands adherence to the party’s constitution. He noted that unlike opposition platforms, the APC operates active organs at every level—from ward units to the National Executive Committee (NEC). These structures, he argued, serve as vital safety valves for consultation, engagement, and the resolution of the very “internal contradictions” that critics highlight.

To underscore this organizational health, Duru revealed that the party held an unprecedented number of NEC meetings in 2025—nearly four in a single year—to proactively address emerging challenges. He described these sessions as transparent platforms where members at the highest levels, including the President and state governors, debate matters affecting the party’s ideological foundation and future strategies.

The APC chieftain also rejected the narrative that incoming politicians are merely using the ruling party as a “special-purpose vehicle” to secure their seats in 2027. He argued that most defectors, particularly state governors, are attracted by the benefits of the party’s superior structure and the perceived success of its governance model. According to Duru, many of these figures are politically formidable enough to win on other platforms but choose the APC for its systemic stability.

As the political climate in early 2026 continues to be defined by high-profile realignments, the APC leadership is positioning the party as a disciplined monolith capable of absorbing new interests without losing its core identity. Duru concluded that by anticipating issues before they escalate, the party is not just surviving the influx but is using it to strengthen its dominance ahead of the next electoral cycle.