Securing the Future: Why APC Must Build a Permanent National Secretariat to Cement Its Legacy
By Teekay Adams
Saturday 5th April 2025 9am
The All Progressives Congress (APC) came into existence in 2013 as a merger of four major opposition parties: the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). This historic union was formed in response to the need for a strong alternative to the then-dominant People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which had ruled Nigeria for over 16 years. The APC quickly rose in prominence, and within just two years of its formation, the party secured a resounding victory in the 2015 general elections. The party’s success in defeating an incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, was a historic moment for Nigerian democracy, showcasing the strength and potential of the opposition to bring about meaningful change in governance.
The APC’s rise to power was not just a political victory; it represented a shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. As an opposition, the APC built its foundation on progressive ideals, aiming to bring about change and transform the country’s governance. After its success in 2015, it became clear that the party’s leadership would be crucial in reshaping Nigeria’s political and economic systems. This success laid the groundwork for the APC to take the reins of governance and continue its mandate of progressive leadership. However, as the party matures, it must begin to solidify its institutional presence, and a key element of that process is the establishment of its own national headquarters.
To truly embody the principles of progressive governance, the APC must build a permanent national headquarters that will serve as a symbol of its enduring commitment to the ideals it campaigned for. This headquarters should not merely be a functional office space but a monument to the party’s legacy and its dedication to progressive ideals. Such a building would serve as a space for strategic meetings, training, and fostering the growth of young political leaders who align with the party’s ideology. This structure would stand as a physical reminder of the party’s promise to improve the lives of Nigerians and its commitment to democratic values, ensuring that future generations have a lasting institution from which to learn and draw inspiration.
Drawing from the lessons of the PDP, the APC must be mindful of the pitfalls that can arise when a ruling party fails to institutionalize its vision. Despite its 16 years of rule, the PDP never managed to establish a permanent national headquarters and has instead relied on rented office space for over 23 years. This lack of a lasting physical presence speaks to the PDP’s failure to leave behind a tangible legacy that could inspire future generations. The APC must avoid this mistake by creating a permanent, purpose-built facility that symbolizes its vision for Nigeria’s future. Such a structure would not only serve as a base of operations but as a repository for the party’s history, culture, and values, ensuring that its progressive ideals endure.
Looking ahead, the APC should also consider building a progressive institution within its headquarters that focuses on the training and development of young Nigerians. This institution would serve as a hub for research, capacity building, and leadership development. Through workshops, seminars, and educational programs, the APC could impart its principles of progressive governance to the next generation of leaders. By establishing such an institution, the APC would help ensure that its ideals of democracy, good governance, and national progress are not just ideas but a living, evolving philosophy that guides Nigeria into the future. This commitment to institutionalizing progressive ideals would lay the groundwork for enduring and sustainable democratic practices in Nigeria, while also fostering the growth of future leaders who can carry the mantle of progressive governance for decades to come.
