Kaduna Gov’s Seeks Reforms, Internal Democracy In APC

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) marks its 13th anniversary, the Special Adviser on Research, Documentation and Strategy to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Mr Fabian Okoye, has described the ruling party as a model of strong political institution-building, constitutional governance and leadership succession.

In a statement commemorating the party’s anniversary, Okoye said the APC has, since its formation in 2013, demonstrated the value of policy-driven governance, citizen participation and institutional stability beyond winning elections.

The former Special Adviser to ex-Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal urged the party to deepen internal democracy, strengthen accountability, embrace inclusive governance and respond effectively to national challenges to sustain public confidence.

In his paper titled: “APC at 13: Leadership, Policy and the Transformation of Nigerian Democracy (2013–2026),” Okoye said political parties remain the backbone of every democracy because it aggregates citizens’ interests, recruit leaders, formulate policies and provide platforms for governance and political competition.

He described the APC’s emergence through the merger of major opposition parties in February 2013 as a landmark in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Okoye noted that the coalition reshaped the country’s political landscape by creating a credible national alternative and strengthening electoral competition.
According to him, the party’s longevity reflects its commitment to citizen engagement, policy consistency, democratic continuity, leadership succession, party institutionalisation and coalition politics.

Okoye recalled that the APC secured legal recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on July 31, 2013, before going on to win the 2015 presidential election and retaining power in 2019 and 2023.

He said the party has grown from an opposition coalition into one of Nigeria’s most influential political organisations, contributing to governance, public policy and democratic consolidation over the past 13 years.

Okoye also credited the APC’s nationwide structure, grassroots mobilisation and constitutional framework for ensuring leadership continuity, organisational discipline and effective coordination across all levels of government.

He added that regular elections, peaceful constitutional transitions and the continued functioning of institutions such as the National Assembly, the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies have reinforced Nigeria’s democratic resilience.

Okoye stated that the APC has evolved beyond an electoral alliance into a national political institution capable of sustaining governance and democratic development across the federation.