All Progressives CongressEdit
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is a major political party in Nigeria that emerged in 2013 as a strategic merger of several opposition parties with the goal of presenting a credible alternative to the ruling party at the time, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Its formation brought together the Action Congress of Nigeria (Action Congress of Nigeria), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (All Nigeria Peoples Party), the Congress for Progressive Change (Congress for Progressive Change), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (All Progressives Grand Alliance). The APC positions itself as a reform-oriented, market-friendly alternative aimed at strengthening institutions, expanding private sector participation in the economy, and improving security and governance across the country. Its early appeal drew on a promise of change, a focus on anti-corruption, and a commitment to a more decentralized, federalist system of governance.
Since its formation, the APC has been a dominant force in Nigerian politics, successfully challenging the PDP in national elections and forming the government at the center. In 2015, the APC’s Muhammadu Buhari won the presidency, marking the first time the PDP lost power at the federal level since the return to civilian rule. Buhari’s presidency underscored a emphasis on anti-corruption, security, and economic reform, though it also faced criticism over the pace of reform, the impact of subsidy removals, and the social costs of some policies. In 2019 Buhari was re-elected, and in 2023 the party continued as a principal governing party with Bola Tinubu elected president, reflecting the APC’s capacity to mobilize regional coalitions and its organizational reach across multiple states. The APC’s governance has been characterized by efforts to strengthen public institutions, promote fiscal discipline, and encourage private investment, while facing ongoing debates about governance quality, inclusivity, and the balance between centralized authority and state autonomy.
History
Origins and formation
The APC was created as a political vehicle to unite several opposition blocs behind a program of reform and anti-corruption. The coalition brought together diverse regional and ideological currents, with the aim of offering a more policy-driven alternative to the PDP that had governed for over a decade. The party’s founders argued that a unified, results-oriented platform could deliver cleaner governance, better public services, and a more predictable business climate. See also Nigerian politics.
2015–2019: Buhari era and consolidation
The APC’s 2015 victory was a watershed in Nigerian politics, illustrating the potential for a cross-regional coalition to translate into federal power. Buhari’s administration emphasized anti-corruption, security, and economic restructuring aimed at reducing dependence on oil-led revenue. Critics on the left and among some civil society groups argued that some anti-corruption efforts lacked due process or disproportionately affected certain groups, while supporters argued that tough measures were necessary to restore fiscal discipline and investor confidence. The party’s governance approach also stressed public-sector reform, privatization where prudent, and greater private sector participation in infrastructure and services. See also 2015 Nigerian general election.
2020s: leadership and challenges
The 2020s saw ongoing debates within the APC about leadership, internal democracy, candidate selection, and ideological balance as the party sought to maintain governance at the federal and state levels. Proponents argue that the APC’s reformist record in areas such as public procurement, energy policy, and governance modernization laid a foundation for durable institutions, while opponents contend that structural reforms could be unevenly distributed and that patronage and factionalism can impede consistent policy implementation. See also Nigerian political party systems.
Ideology and policy priorities
Economic reform and the private sector
From a market-oriented perspective, the APC has stressed reducing bottlenecks to private investment, improving the business climate, and diversifying the economy beyond oil dependence. Proponents argue that disciplined fiscal management, competitive markets, and targeted reforms can spur growth, create jobs, and improve public services. Critics, including some from the left or civil society, contend that reforms can impose short-term costs on the poor or privatize essential services in ways that entrench inequality. The party has also promoted programs intended to stimulate agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development, often highlighting partnerships with the private sector and international investors. See also Economy of Nigeria.
Governance, anti-corruption, and rule of law
A central claim of the APC is a commitment to stronger institutions and the rule of law, with anti-corruption as a core banner. Supporters argue that political will, investigative agencies, and reforms have reduced impunity and improved accountability. Critics challenge whether anti-corruption efforts have been uniformly applied or have at times served as a instrument in political contests. The discussion often centers on due process, transparency in public procurement, and the balance between security measures and civil liberties. See also Corruption in Nigeria.
Federalism and governance structure
The APC has emphasized the importance of devolution and stronger state autonomy within a federal constitutional framework. Advocates say this approach can reduce bottlenecks, enable policy experimentation at the state level, and make governance more responsive to local needs. Detractors worry that intergovernmental tensions could undermine national coherence or create inconsistencies in policy implementation. See also Federalism in Nigeria.
Security and internal stability
Security policy has been a major focus, including counter-insurgency efforts and policing modernization. Supporters credit the APC with restoring a measure of public order and enhancing military and security coordination, while critics point to ongoing violence, humanitarian impacts, and debates over the balance between security measures and civil liberties. See also Boko Haram and Security sector reform.
Organization and leadership
Structure and governance
The APC operates with a national leadership council, a national working committee, and a network of state chapters. It coordinates with allied groups and external partners to maintain organizational coherence across Nigeria’s diverse regions. The party’s leadership has sometimes faced criticism over internal democracy and candidate selection processes, with supporters arguing that a broad coalition requires pragmatic compromises, and opponents arguing that internal disputes can undermine public trust. See also Political parties in Nigeria.
Notable figures
Key figures associated with the APC include Muhammadu Buhari, who served as president after leading the party to victory in 2015, and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a prominent national figure and longtime party leader who has played a central role in shaping its platform and strategy. Other influential figures include governors and legislators who have aligned with the APC’s reform-oriented platform. See also Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Controversies and debates
Internal democracy and leadership contests
Like many large ideologically broad parties, the APC has faced internal disagreements over leadership, zoning, and candidate selection. Proponents argue that such disagreements are a natural feature of a big reform coalition and can produce more durable governance, while critics contend that factionalism can delay decision-making and blur policy direction.
Governance outcomes and reform pace
Supporters emphasize that the APC’s time in government has produced tangible reforms in governance, anti-corruption efforts, and infrastructure, arguing that structural change takes time and must be measured against pragmatic constraints. Critics argue that the pace of reform has at times fallen short of expectations, and that the burden of reform has had uneven social and regional effects.
Economic distribution and social policy
Proponents say that market-led growth, privatization where appropriate, and prudent fiscal management are necessary for long-term prosperity and national competitiveness. Critics worry about short-term impacts on vulnerable populations and question whether welfare and social protection have kept pace with reform. See also Social policy in Nigeria.