Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) navigated a complex landscape in 2025, marked by significant political expansion alongside persistent internal uncertainties and public scrutiny. As the party geared up for the 2027 general elections, a series of high-profile defections, leadership shifts, and crucial electoral contests illuminated both its growing dominance and its enduring dilemmas. The year presented a paradox of consolidation and contestation for the APC.
The party demonstrated considerable strength by broadening its political footprint through numerous defections from opposition parties. It also solidified its control over the National Assembly and rallied decisively behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a potential second term. This period saw the APC expanding its influence across various states, absorbing seasoned politicians and strengthening its legislative majority.
However, this outward display of strength masked underlying contradictions and challenges. Internal leadership changes at the party’s national secretariat, coupled with increasing public criticism regarding governance issues and electoral setbacks in specific contests, highlighted unresolved weaknesses, particularly at the grassroots level in certain regions. The year underscored the delicate balance between consolidating power and addressing public concerns.
One of the most significant internal developments was the abrupt resignation of the APC’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in June under controversial circumstances. While official statements cited party matters, the suddenness of his departure fueled speculation about internal power struggles and the influence of key stakeholders. This led to the appointment of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the new national chairman.
The APC experienced a remarkable surge in high-profile defections throughout 2025, with governors, federal lawmakers, and prominent political figures switching allegiance. Notable among these were several governors previously elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, dramatically altering the political map. This influx bolstered the APC’s image as the nation’s dominant political force.
These defections ignited widespread debate, with critics suggesting that many defectors were primarily motivated by political expediency, access to federal power, or potential leniency from anti-graft agencies. APC leaders, however, maintained that these moves reflected growing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and his administration’s economic and infrastructure agenda.
A pivotal moment for the APC in 2025 was the formal endorsement of President Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election. This consensus was solidified at a major party summit, with key party structures, including the National Working Committee and the Progressive Governors Forum, publicly declaring their support. The move aimed to project unity and stability ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.
Despite its expanding national reach, the APC faced a notable electoral setback in the Anambra State governorship election, where its candidate was defeated by the incumbent governor. This outcome served as a reminder of the party’s ongoing challenges in establishing deep grassroots support in certain regions, particularly the South East, even with recent defections from the area.
In preparation for the 2026 governorship elections, the APC also conducted primaries in Osun and Ekiti states. In Osun, a consensus candidate was chosen to present a united front, while in Ekiti, the incumbent governor received overwhelming endorsement, reflecting strong internal backing for his re-election bid.
Looking towards future electoral engagements, the APC initiated a significant digital reorganisation effort in 2025 with the planned introduction of electronic membership registration. This initiative aims to refine the party’s membership database, enhance internal democracy, and improve data-driven mobilization strategies for future elections.
The party’s leadership also acknowledged the potential for internal competition, with statements suggesting that any interested aspirant could challenge President Tinubu in the primaries, provided they met the nomination requirements. This approach appeared to balance consensus politics with the preservation of democratic principles within the party structure.
The year 2025 ultimately highlighted the APC’s capacity for political expansion and consolidation, while simultaneously exposing the persistent fault lines and challenges that require careful management as it approaches the critical 2027 general elections.
