The Rise and Fall of APC in Enugu State
Enugu State, often regarded as the political heartbeat of the Southeast, has traditionally been a stronghold for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since the return to democracy in 1999. However, the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 sparked a new wave of political realignment across the nation, including Enugu. While APC made inroads in some Southeastern states, its journey in Enugu has been marked by brief sparks of promise followed by deep-rooted challenges that led to its decline. This article examines the trajectory — the rise and eventual fall — of APC in Enugu State.
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The Emergence and Initial Rise of APC in Enugu
The APC was formed in 2013 through the merger of major opposition parties: the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). This coalition was seen as a formidable alternative to the PDP, which had dominated Nigerian politics for over a decade.
In Enugu, the APC initially struggled to gain traction due to the overwhelming dominance of the PDP. However, the 2015 general elections, which saw the APC clinch the presidency with Muhammadu Buhari, gave the party some momentum. There was a surge in political interest among local politicians looking to align with the ruling national party. This led to a wave of defections and the establishment of APC structures in various local governments across Enugu.
APC’s growth was largely driven by elite political actors rather than grassroots movements. Former Senate President Ken Nnamani, former Governor Sullivan Chime, and other notable figures from the Southeast lent their support at different points, hoping to build a viable opposition to the PDP in the state.
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Key Challenges and Internal Crises
Despite early signs of growth, the APC in Enugu was riddled with internal crises, factional leadership, and a lack of grassroots support. Unlike the PDP, which had deep roots in communities and longstanding networks, APC’s support base was often superficial and politically opportunistic.
1. Factional Leadership:
The Enugu APC became a battleground for internal rivalry. Parallel congresses, conflicting court orders, and disputes over party leadership weakened its unity. The party was often split into camps loyal to different political godfathers, making it difficult to present a united front during elections.
2. Lack of Grassroots Mobilization:
APC in Enugu failed to connect deeply with the electorate. Most of its efforts were concentrated in urban centers, neglecting rural communities that play a crucial role in electoral success. The PDP, in contrast, maintained strong community-based structures that ensured voter loyalty.
3. Poor Performance at the Polls:
In the 2019 and 2023 general elections, APC's performance in Enugu was dismal. The party failed to win significant seats at the state and federal levels, further demoralizing its members and weakening its appeal to potential supporters.
4. National Party Image in the Southeast:
The APC was often viewed with skepticism in the Southeast, where there was widespread disillusionment with the federal government’s policies, particularly regarding issues of marginalization, infrastructure development, and security. This negative perception hurt the party's image in Enugu.
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The Final Decline
By the 2023 general elections, the APC in Enugu had become a shadow of its former self. Internal wrangling continued to dominate headlines, and major political figures who once identified with the party either withdrew from active politics or returned to the PDP or other parties.
The rise of the Labour Party in the Southeast, spearheaded by Peter Obi’s presidential candidacy, further eroded APC’s relevance. Many voters who had grown disenchanted with both APC and PDP saw the Labour Party as a fresh alternative, shifting the political landscape significantly.
APC’s inability to present strong, popular candidates and its failure to address the internal crises led to its eventual collapse as a competitive political force in Enugu State.
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The story of the APC in Enugu State is a classic case of a political party that failed to capitalize on its initial momentum. Despite having the national machinery and resources, it could not overcome its internal divisions, lack of grassroots connection, and poor public perception.
While it may still exist in name, the APC in Enugu today is far from being a viable opposition or governing alternative. Its rise and fall serve as a political lesson on the importance of unity, local engagement, and ideological clarity in Nigerian politics.
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