By Mohammed Bello Doka
In the sprawling tapestry of Nigerian politics, where alliances are forged and broken with the shifting winds of power, the saga of loyalty within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) unfolds as a cautionary tale of betrayal and disillusionment. At the heart of this narrative lies the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), a diverse coalition of party stalwarts from around the globe, whose dedication to the APC's cause has been tested and found wanting in the corridors of power.
Despite their integral role in securing victory for the APC, a mere fraction of PCC members, less than 10%, find themselves welcomed into the inner sanctum of the Presidential Villa. Meanwhile, erstwhile adversaries, who once stood in vehement opposition to the party's platform, now bask in the glow of influence and authority within the government's highest echelons.
For the loyal foot soldiers of the APC, this reversal of fortunes cuts deep. They had invested their time, energy, and resources into the party's success, only to be sidelined and overlooked when the spoils of victory were distributed. Their disillusionment is palpable, as they watch with dismay while personal allegiances and familial ties trump the principles of meritocracy and loyalty.
The specter of nepotism looms large over the APC, as key government positions are bestowed upon individuals with little regard for their contributions to the party's cause. Known opponents of the APC, whose efforts were aimed at thwarting its rise to power, now occupy coveted ministerial posts and key board appointments, while loyal party members are left to languish in obscurity.
Amidst the chorus of discontent emanating from within party ranks, one cannot help but wonder: Is loyalty to the APC a crime in the eyes of its leadership? The resounding silence that greets this question speaks volumes, as loyalists grapple with the harsh reality of their marginalization within the party they had sworn to serve.
As Nigeria braces itself for the pivotal 2027 elections, the loyalty of the APC's rank and file hangs in the balance. Will these newfound allies from the opposition camp deliver electoral victory for the party, or will their allegiances remain tenuous at best? And when the dust settles, will loyal party members once again be called upon to rally behind the APC's cause, only to be met with hollow promises and dashed hopes?
The fate of the APC, and indeed the future of Nigerian politics, hinges on its ability to reconcile the competing forces of loyalty and expediency. As the party navigates the treacherous waters of power, one can only hope that it emerges stronger and more united, lest the specter of disloyalty tear it asunder from within.
Tags
Opinion