A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Sam Onuigbo, says the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari will not derail the APC’s electoral prospects.
He also noted that the recent strengthening of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) poses no threat to the ruling party’s chances in future elections.
Onuigbo made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He previously represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The relatively obscure African Democratic Congress (ADC) has gained attention following the defection of several high-profile opposition figures.
These include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, and former presidential aspirant Dele Momodu.
“APC cannot panic because of the emergence of ADC. APC is not shaking and it is not rattled because its policies are beginning to yield dividends,” Onuigbo said.
He described as misguided any suggestion that the APC was built solely around the late former president, stating that Nigerian democracy had matured beyond dependence on one individual.
“There’s no denying that the late President Muhammadu Buhari was a major player in the nation’s political scene.
“However, with more than 25 years of unbroken democracy, Nigerians are beginning to vote for the collective good rather than for personalities,” he said.
He added that while the Buhari–Tinubu alliance was instrumental in shaping the current political landscape, Buhari’s passing would not fundamentally destabilise the party.
Onuigbo argued that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu had made significant progress, which would continue to earn the confidence of Nigerians.
“President Tinubu has clearly shown that he is willing to make tough decisions for the greater good.
“Though some policies may be painful in the short term, their long-term benefits are undeniable.
“For instance, the removal of fuel subsidy is a game changer. The resources saved are being reinvested into critical sectors of the economy. His monetary policies have also helped stabilise the naira,” he said.
Onuigbo lauded Tinubu’s interventions in the agricultural sector, noting a gradual decline in food prices.
“This government is focused on delivering real benefits to the people,” he added.
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