A growing rift is developing within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as party leaders express frustration over President Bola Tinubu’s apparent disregard for the party’s leadership during key policy decisions.
Despite controlling a majority in the National Assembly, the government has faced difficulties pushing through critical bills, with stakeholders pointing to the lack of collaboration between the presidency and the party.
Critics argue that if President Tinubu had better engaged the party’s leadership on major reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, the backlash and confusion could have been mitigated.
The Guardian reports that key decisions continue to be made within Aso Rock, with little input from the APC’s organizational structures, such as the National Executive Council (NEC) and the National Advisory Council (NAC).
The President has come under fire for not convening necessary meetings to address the party’s internal issues, including the delayed mid-term convention and unpaid salaries.
Meanwhile, the delay in passing the Tax Reform Bills, despite APC’s dominance in the National Assembly, further exposes the tension between the presidency and the party’s leadership.
Though some party members defend Tinubu’s approach, others believe that the absence of key party structures, particularly the NAC, is contributing to disunity and confusion within the ranks.
Critics, including former APC members, argue that the party is losing its progressive vision and risks becoming a shadow of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).