By Idris Jibril
Nigeria’s political landscape is shifting once again. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is experiencing a resurgence, drawing progressives disillusioned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This momentum eerily mirrors the APC’s meteoric rise in 2013, when it coalesced as a formidable opposition to the then-dominant Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Today, the APC risks squandering its hard-won legacy unless it urgently addresses internal fractures and reconnects with its base.
The APC’s birth in 2013 was a masterclass in coalition-building. It capitalized on public frustration with the PDP’s governance by uniting disparate factions under a progressive banner. Fast-forward to 2024: the SDP is now leveraging similar discontent. Young reformers, civil society voices, and even seasoned politicians are flocking to its fold, sensing an opportunity to redefine Nigerian politics. The APC must recognize this pattern—after all, it wrote the playbook. Complacency today could spell obsolescence tomorrow.
The departure of influential figures like Nasir El-Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola has left a void in the APC’s leadership. These were not just politicians but symbols of the party’s progressive ideals—El-Rufai’s bold reforms in Kaduna and Aregbesola’s grassroots appeal in Osun embodied the APC’s promise of change. Their exits, whether physical or ideological, signal deeper rifts. Losing such stalwarts undermines the party’s credibility and emboldens opponents. The APC cannot afford to dismiss these defections as mere political theater; they are a referendum on its current trajectory.
Perhaps most alarming is the APC’s fraying connection with Nigeria’s youth, who constitute over 60% of the population and were instrumental in the party’s 2015 and 2019 victories. Today, young members voice frustration over exclusion from decision-making, unmet promises, and a lack of visionary leadership. Vibrant youth wings that once drove campaigns and digital mobilization now flirt with alternatives like the SDP. Without their energy and innovation, the APC risks becoming a relic of its former self.
To avert decline, the APC must act decisively:
- Reconcile and Reorganize: Bridge internal divides through transparent dialogue. Address grievances of departed leaders and reintegrate dissenting voices.
- Empower and re-energize the Youth: Create meaningful roles for young stakeholders in policymaking and campaign strategy—launch initiatives addressing unemployment, education, and tech innovation.
- Reaffirm Progressive Values: Revisit the party’s founding ideals—accountability, inclusivity, and reform. Communicate clear plans to tackle insecurity, inflation, and corruption.
- Revitalize Communication: Leverage digital platforms to re-engage supporters. Highlight achievements without glossing over shortcomings, and articulate a compelling future vision.
The SDP’s rise is a wake-up call. The APC’s triumph in 2015 proved that no party is invincible. To avoid the PDP’s fate, it must heed the lessons of its own history: Unity is non-negotiable, and the youth are not just voters but partners. The time for introspection is over; the time for action is now. If the APC fails to rebuild, it may soon watch from the sidelines as another party writes Nigeria’s next chapter.
