APC Holds Peaceful Ward Congresses in Edo as Political Reconciliation Efforts Gain Momentum
Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress conducted consensus-based ward congresses in Edo State without violence, while prominent political figures engage in ethnic reconciliation efforts amid broader national unity concerns.
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Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) successfully conducted ward congresses across all 192 wards in Edo State on Wednesday, emerging as a rare example of peaceful internal party democracy amid reports of violence in other states during the nationwide exercise.
The Edo State chapter of the APC completed the ward-level leadership selection process on a consensus basis, with party officials emphasizing the importance of unity ahead of future electoral contests. The peaceful outcome contrasts sharply with reports of disruptions and violence that marred similar exercises in several other states, highlighting the persistent challenges facing Nigeria's political parties in managing internal democracy.
Consensus Approach Delivers Stability
According to Vanguard News, the Edo APC leadership adopted a consensus model that allowed ward executives to emerge without contested elections, a strategy that party officials credit for the rancour-free process. The state party leadership also used the occasion to urge members to mobilize for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The emphasis on voter registration mobilization reflects the APC's strategic focus on expanding its electoral base in Edo State, where political competition remains intense following closely contested gubernatorial elections in recent cycles. Party officials at the ward congresses stressed that grassroots organization and voter registration would be critical to the party's electoral prospects in upcoming elections.
The successful completion of ward congresses represents the first tier of the APC's nationwide party structure reorganization, which will be followed by local government and state congresses in the coming weeks. The exercise is designed to refresh party leadership at all levels and strengthen organizational capacity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ethnic Reconciliation Takes Center Stage
Parallel to party organizational activities, Nigerian political discourse has been marked by efforts at ethnic reconciliation, with Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, publicly apologizing to the Igbo community over controversial remarks. According to Legit.ng, Fayose retracted derogatory comments about Igbos and called for national unity, while praising an Igbo leader's appeal to President Bola Tinubu regarding detained Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu.
The apology reflects growing sensitivity around ethnic relations in Nigeria's political environment, where inflammatory rhetoric has increasingly drawn public backlash. Fayose's statement emphasized the need for unity across Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups, acknowledging that divisive comments undermine national cohesion at a time when the country faces significant economic and security challenges.
The intersection of party politics and ethnic relations remains a defining feature of Nigeria's political landscape, with politicians increasingly aware that ethnic tensions can have electoral consequences. The Kanu detention issue, which Fayose referenced, continues to be a flashpoint in Southeast Nigeria, with various political and traditional leaders calling for a political solution to the matter.
Implications for Party Cohesion
The contrasting experiences of peaceful congresses in Edo State and violence elsewhere underscore the uneven capacity of Nigeria's political parties to manage internal processes democratically. Political analysts note that the consensus approach, while avoiding immediate conflict, may also suppress genuine democratic competition within party structures, potentially storing up tensions for future contests.
As the APC prepares for subsequent tiers of its congress exercise, the Edo State model may provide a template for other state chapters seeking to avoid the violence and litigation that have characterized previous party congresses. However, critics argue that true internal party democracy requires contested elections rather than consensus arrangements that may favor incumbent party leaders.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, both the organizational health of political parties and the broader climate of ethnic relations will significantly influence Nigeria's political trajectory. The APC's ability to conduct credible congresses across all states, combined with efforts to reduce ethnic tensions, will be critical factors in shaping the country's democratic development in the coming months.