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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted claims that it operates as a one-man show.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma dismissed allegations while briefing newsmen at the end of the first caucus meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, held on Wednesday night at the State House Conference Centre.
According to him, the APC’s diverse representation across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including governors from various states at the meeting, underscores its inclusive nature. He said the party’s structure, as outlined in its constitution, includes multiple leadership positions and a hierarchical framework that ensures broad participation in decision-making processes.
According to Uzodinma, “Our party is united, stronger, focused, and supportive of the government. We need to celebrate our own. The government is heavily supported by the APC, and from time to time, we must show that we are behind the government.”
Addressing concerns about internal democracy, Uzodinma stated, “APC is a very large political party with executives at all levels. We have our internal mechanism for selection and executing democracy. Why are we winning all these elections? It’s because we have demonstrated high capacity and respect for democracy.”
Regarding allegations of exclusion, Uzodinma pointed out, “I don’t believe in hypotheses. I believe in practical things. Look at the governors from different zones here. What is the meaning of inclusivity when we have representation from all geopolitical zones?” He added, “You see the governor of Lagos, the governor of Edo, the governor of Sokoto. We are represented across the board.”
The APC has also been accused of running a “one-man show,” a claim Uzodinma dismissed by highlighting the diverse participation in party activities. “I don’t know what is the meaning of inclusivity when the six geopolitical zones are represented,” he reiterated.
On the party’s performance and future plans, Uzodinma noted, “As we speak, we are now better off in terms of revenue generation, in terms of getting more money to do more infrastructure, social change, and other economic dynamics. The APC is the party to beat and the envy of other political parties, not only in Nigeria but even in Africa.”
The APC has also launched a new Progressive Institute, which serves as the intellectual arm of the party. Uzodinma praised this initiative, saying, “You must have heard that there is a new Progressive Institute initiated and built by our party, and that is the intellectual arm of the party where research is being done, and other training for manpower building and the intellectual capacity is being built by the Institute.”
President Tinubu’s efforts in managing insecurity were also commended during the meeting. Uzodinma mentioned, “The President has done very well in terms of managing the insecurity in the country, as testified today by one of our members in Zamfara State, where there is relative peace. Now, people are going about their businesses. Farmers have gone back to their farms in the southeast.”
The meeting, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, brought together key party leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje. Uzodinma, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, noted that the APC’s structure ensures broad participation in decision-making processes, contradicting claims of a single individual dominating the party.
Uzodinma also emphasised the party’s commitment to internal democracy, citing upcoming elections and the selection of candidates as examples of its democratic processes. The APC’s recent successes in elections, he argued, demonstrate its respect for democratic principles and processes.
The APC is set to hold a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting following the caucus, focusing on key party issues such as a non-elective convention and the establishment of The Progressive Institute, among others.
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