A former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Waziri Bulama, has expressed concerns that political parties in Nigeria, including the APC, are still far from becoming strong and stable institutions. In an interview on Arise Television, Bulama stated that Nigeria’s democracy, despite being 25 to 26 years old, remains emerging and fragile due to the lack of firm ideological foundations in parties.

According to Bulama, political parties ought to function as strong corporate structures, guided by ideology and a culture of doing things the right way. However, he noted that parties in Nigeria, including the APC, are still struggling to become strong institutions due to the dominance of political elites who prioritize personal interests over collective goals. This dominance, coupled with the lack of grassroots participation, has weakened the growth of parties and democratic culture in the country.

Bulama emphasized that the absence of an ideological foundation has fueled recurring disputes in parties, making them more vulnerable to conflicts among their leaders. He also warned that voter apathy is becoming a major threat, citing the low turnout in the 2023 presidential election, where only 26 million out of 94 million registered voters cast their ballots.

The former APC National Secretary attributed voter apathy to the elite’s disinterest in the democratic process, which has led to a cold attitude towards democracy among citizens. He stressed that for democracy to thrive, political parties must be people-driven, transparent, and service-oriented, operating with open and inclusive systems that unite members across Nigeria’s diversity.

Bulama’s comments highlight the need for political parties in Nigeria to reform and become more institutionalized. The country’s democratic system faces significant challenges, including weak party structures and voter apathy. As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, the development of strong and stable political parties is crucial for enhancing the quality of democracy and promoting citizen participation.