Former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Waziri Bulama, warned that political parties in Nigeria, including the APC, remain far from becoming strong, stable institutions. In an interview with Arise Television, he noted that Nigeria’s democracy—now 25 to 26 years old—is still emerging and fragile because parties lack firm ideological foundations.
Bulama argued that political parties should operate like robust corporate structures, guided by clear ideology and a culture of doing things the right way. Instead, he observed that parties are hampered by the dominance of political elites who prioritize personal interests over collective goals. This elite dominance, combined with limited grassroots participation, has weakened party growth and stifled democratic culture in the country.
He emphasized that the absence of an ideological base fuels recurring disputes within parties, making them vulnerable to conflicts among leaders. Bulama also highlighted voter apathy as a growing threat, citing the 2023 presidential election in which only 26 million of the 94 million registered voters turned out. He attributed this apathy to elite disinterest in the democratic process, which has fostered a cold attitude toward democracy among citizens.
According to Bulama, 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 diverse landscape. His comments underscore the urgent need for party reform and greater institutionalization. Strengthening party structures and combating voter apathy are essential for improving the quality of Nigeria’s democracy and encouraging broader citizen participation.
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