The All Progressives Congress (APC) is one of the most prominent political parties in Nigeria. Established in 2013, the party has grown to become a major political force, with a significant presence in the National Assembly and most state governments in Nigeria.
In this article, we will trace the history of APC in Nigeria, from its formation to its rise to power, and its current status as one of the most important political parties in the country.
Table of Contents
The Formation of APC
The formation of APC can be traced back to 2013 when four opposition parties – the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – merged to form a new political party. The merger was driven by the need to provide a formidable opposition to the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP), which had been in power for over a decade.
The merger was not without challenges, as the parties had different ideologies and interests. However, after months of negotiations and consultations, the parties agreed to merge, and on February 6, 2013, the APC was formed. The new party was headed by Chief Bisi Akande, a former governor of Osun State, and its interim national chairman was Chief Tom Ikimi, a former minister of foreign affairs.
APC's Early Days
The APC's early days were marked by a series of challenges, including a power struggle within the party leadership and legal battles to register the party. However, the party was able to overcome these challenges, and in June 2013, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially registered APC as a political party.
With the registration of APC, the party began preparations for the 2015 general elections, which would be a crucial test of its popularity and strength. The party's presidential candidate was Muhammadu Buhari, a former military general and politician who had contested and lost in previous presidential elections.
APC's Rise to Power
The 2015 general elections were a turning point for APC, as the party won a historic victory, defeating the PDP, which had been in power for 16 years. Muhammadu Buhari was elected president, and the APC also won the majority of seats in the National Assembly and most state governments in Nigeria.
The victory was a result of the party's message of change and its promise to tackle corruption, insecurity, and other challenges facing the country. The party's victory was also a testament to its ability to form a coalition of opposition parties and unite Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides.
APC's Performance in Government
Since coming to power, the APC-led government has implemented a range of policies, programs, and reforms aimed at addressing the country's challenges. Some of these policies include the anti-corruption campaign, the social investment programs, the diversification of the economy, and the fight against insurgency and terrorism.
However, the party's performance in government has been subject to criticism, with some accusing the government of not doing enough to address the country's challenges. The party has also been criticized for its handling of some issues, such as the herdsmen-farmer conflicts, the rising insecurity in the country, and the economic downturn.
APC's Current Status
Despite the criticisms and challenges, APC remains one of the most important political parties in Nigeria. The party is currently in power, and it has a significant presence in the National Assembly and most state governments in Nigeria. The party is also gearing up for the 2023 general elections, which will be another crucial test of its popularity and strength.
The party's current status is a result of its ability to evolve and adapt to changing political dynamics in Nigeria. The party has been able to navigate through the challenges of forming a coalition of parties, winning elections, and governing a diverse country like Nigeria.
Conclusion
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is one of the most important political parties in Nigeria. The party's history can be traced back to its formation in 2013, which was driven by the need to provide a formidable opposition to the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). Since then, the party has grown to become a major political force in Nigeria, with a significant presence in the National Assembly and most state governments in the country. Despite the challenges and criticisms, the party remains a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian politics.
FAQs
Q: When was APC formed?
A: APC was formed in 2013.
Q: What parties merged to form APC?
A: The parties that merged to form APC were the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Q: Who was APC's presidential candidate in the 2015 general elections?
A: APC's presidential candidate in the 2015 general elections was Muhammadu Buhari.
Q: What are some of the policies implemented by APC-led government?
A: Some of the policies implemented by APC-led government include the anti-corruption campaign, the social investment programs, the diversification of the economy, and the fight against insurgency and terrorism.
Q: What is APC's current status?
A: APC is currently in power, and it has a significant presence in the National Assembly and most state governments in Nigeria.