APC Has Overcome Internal Crises, Party Stronger in Adamawa- Comr Mustapha Salihu

By Tgnews Reporter

The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-East, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, has stated that the ruling party has successfully overcome the internal crises that followed the aftermath of the 2023 elections in Adamawa State and is now enjoying relative peace, unity, and organizational strength.

Salihu stated this during an interview with journalists at his residence in Yola on Saturday while reflecting on the party’s challenges in 2025 and its outlook for 2026 and beyond.

According to him, the crises that led to the exit of some party members were largely a fallout of electoral defeat and unmet personal ambitions rather than ideological differences.

“Most of the crises were artificial. After elections, people look for who to blame. Accusations and counter-accusations follow, and some people leave when their personal interests are not attainable,” he said.

He noted that leadership corrections were often misconstrued as marginalization by some members who were unwilling to submit to party discipline.

Salihu explained that the APC in Adamawa has now stabilized due to a clear line of authority, unlike in the past when multiple power centres created confusion.

“For the first time in Adamawa APC, we have one clear line of command. That has eliminated conflict profiteers and strengthened harmony within the party,” he said.

Responding to claims that the APC is driving Nigeria toward a one-party system due to increasing defections, Salihu dismissed the allegation as misleading and unconstitutional.

Drawing from political theory, he explained that political parties thrive on ideology and policy alignment, stressing that no Nigerian is compelled to join the APC.

“Freedom of association is guaranteed by the Constitution. Anyone who joins the APC does so voluntarily because of ideological alignment, not coercion,” he said.

He cited examples from other democracies, including South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), to argue that political dominance does not equate to the absence of democracy.

“Even within one dominant party, democracy exists through internal ideological competition,” he added.

On the party’s ongoing electronic registration exercise, Salihu said the APC had learnt from past mistakes where inflated membership figures did not reflect actual voting strength.

He explained that the new system is biometric-based, integrating National Identification Number (NIN), voter cards, and facial data to prevent duplication.

“One person cannot register twice. The data is verifiable, real-time, and visible from ward to national level,” he said.

According to him, the exercise serves not only to maintain accurate records but also to understand party demographics for targeted engagement, empowerment, and policy outreach.

Salihu disclosed that the party has embarked on massive grassroots mobilization and empowerment programmes in Adamawa State as part of preparations for future elections.

He revealed that millions of naira have been invested in logistics, ward and local government structures, youth empowerment, and campaign readiness.

“We are not waiting for elections to prepare. Preparation is ongoing,” he said.

He also highlighted his initiative tagged “Operation 20 Millionaires”, aimed at empowering youths and women monthly, noting that over N100 million has already been disbursed.

When asked about rumours of the Adamawa State Governor defecting to the APC, Salihu declined to confirm, describing such matters as internal and administrative.

“Political parties are not run on social media or newspaper headlines. If such discussions mature, the public will know,” he said.

He maintained that the APC keeps cordial relations with all political actors and remains open to dialogue.

Addressing concerns about the influx of defectors, Salihu rejected claims that the APC is oversaturated.

“APC is not oversaturated. It is loaded with people of political weight and capacity,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the party is institutionally strong, well-funded, and prepared to compete effectively in future elections.