APC Consolidates Grassroots Structures Through By-Elections and Party Congresses
Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress has strengthened its political foothold through successful by-elections in Kano and Rivers states, while completing internal congresses in Katsina without disputes, signaling organizational cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.
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Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded electoral victories and organizational successes across multiple states, consolidating its grassroots structures through by-elections and internal party congresses that demonstrate the party's sustained political mobilization capacity.
The party secured victories in legislative by-elections held in Kano State Assembly, filling vacancies created by the deaths of two lawmakers in December 2025, according to Premium Times. The by-elections represent the APC's ability to maintain electoral dominance in Kano, a strategic northern state where the party has historically enjoyed strong support. In Rivers State, the party also won the Ahoada East II constituency by-election, extending its legislative presence in the oil-rich Niger Delta region where political competition remains intense.
Dispute-Free Congresses Signal Internal Cohesion
In a significant indication of internal party unity, the APC's ward and local government congresses in Katsina State concluded without any petitions being filed, according to Mr. Jamilu Uwais-Zaki, Chairman of the Ward and Local Government Congress Appeal Committee. Uwais-Zaki declared the congresses "a resounding success," as reported by The Nation Newspaper. The absence of disputes marks a departure from Nigeria's typically contentious party primaries and internal elections, which have historically been marred by allegations of irregularities and manipulation.
The successful completion of congresses in Katsina State, President Bola Tinubu's home region in the Northwest, suggests effective coordination between the national party leadership and state-level structures. Party congresses serve as the foundation for selecting delegates who will participate in future primary elections for gubernatorial, legislative, and presidential candidates. A smooth congress process typically indicates reduced factional tensions and improved party discipline.
Cross River Prepares for Upcoming Congresses
The momentum from successful congresses has extended to Cross River State, where committee leaders have expressed confidence in conducting peaceful and transparent ward and local government congresses. According to Business Day, various committees constituted for the forthcoming congresses have signaled their readiness to oversee the process. The proactive stance by congress committees in Cross River reflects the party's effort to replicate the Katsina model of dispute-free internal elections across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.
These concurrent electoral and organizational activities occur as Nigeria's political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections cycle. The APC's focus on strengthening its grassroots architecture through systematic congresses and maintaining electoral victories in by-elections demonstrates a strategic approach to consolidating power ahead of what is expected to be a competitive electoral contest. The party currently controls the presidency, a majority in both chambers of the National Assembly, and governorships in 20 of Nigeria's 36 states.
Implications for Nigeria's Political Landscape
The successful conduct of party congresses without disputes could set a precedent for other states as the APC continues its nationwide organizational restructuring. Political analysts note that internal party democracy remains a critical challenge for Nigerian political parties, with congress irregularities often leading to prolonged legal battles that weaken party cohesion. The Katsina experience, if replicated nationally, could enhance the party's preparedness for primary elections and reduce post-congress litigation that has previously distracted from campaign activities.
The by-election victories in Kano and Rivers states also underscore the APC's continued appeal in diverse political terrains, from the predominantly Muslim North to the Christian-majority South-South region. However, opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, are expected to intensify their own grassroots mobilization efforts as the 2027 electoral cycle approaches. The ability of the APC to maintain internal cohesion while defending its electoral territory will likely determine its prospects in upcoming gubernatorial elections scheduled for late 2026 in several states.
As Nigeria's political parties navigate the pre-election period, the APC's emphasis on organizational discipline and electoral performance suggests a calculated strategy to avoid the internal divisions that have weakened ruling parties in previous election cycles.