Elections
Delta LGA Polls: APC’s Strength Tested Amid Defections
By Divramredje Efeturi
The upcoming local government elections in Delta State will be a crucial test for the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the party grapples with internal discord and a wave of defections, particularly at the grassroots level.
While the fluidity of political alliances is a common feature of Nigerian politics, the scale of these departures raises questions about the APC’s ability to maintain its dominance in the region.
The peculiarity of local government elections in Nigeria is that the ruling party at the time, be it the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), or a smaller party, tends to secure the majority of seats, if not all. Delta State has historically reflected this pattern, but the APC is facing a unique challenge in this election cycle. The party’s strength at the local level has been weakened by a significant exodus of members, both financial and non-financial. This exodus is not solely attributed to the allure of the PDP, but also to deep-seated discontent with the party’s internal dynamics.
The current situation reflects broader challenges within the Nigerian political landscape. The “winner-takes-all” approach to local government elections, where the winning party often dominates with minimal opposition, has created concerns about centralization of power and potential abuse. The federal government’s legal action against state governors, coupled with continuing concerns surrounding the misappropriation of funds allocated to local governments, further complicates the political dynamics.
Despite these hurdles, the APC is still expected to perform well in certain areas, particularly in Isoko North and South. The party believes it can secure several wards in these regions, but success hinges on a unified effort from its members, leaders, and supporters. The upcoming elections will be a crucial indicator of the APC’s resilience and ability to navigate internal dissent in a dynamic political environment.
The outcome of these elections will reveal the APC’s true strength in Delta State and provide insight into how effectively the party is addressing the concerns of its members. Their ability to overcome the current challenges will define their future prospects in the region.
Sir Divramredje Lawrence Efeturi, KSJI wrote this piece on the upcoming local government elections in Delta State from Oyede, Isoko North
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