By Abdullahi Inuwa
June 2025
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party since 2015, continues to exert significant political influence across the country — with the Northeast region emerging as one of its most loyal and strategically important strongholds. From Borno to Gombe, the APC has maintained dominance in both gubernatorial and legislative elections, shaped policies, and built strong political alliances. However, the region is not without its challenges, as issues of insecurity, economic hardship, and shifting loyalties increasingly test the party’s grip.
This article examines the key political features of the APC in the Northeast, its prominent figures, electoral strategies, grassroots structure, internal tensions, and what the future may hold as Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections.
Historical Context: From Merger to Dominance
The Northeast’s embrace of the APC can be traced back to the party’s formation in 2013, when major opposition blocs — including the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and factions of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) — merged to form a united front against the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The late political icon from Borno, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, played a key role in shaping early political conversations, while President Muhammadu Buhari’s popularity as a Northern figurehead solidified the APC’s base across Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa.
By the 2015 and 2019 elections, the APC had swept nearly all gubernatorial and National Assembly seats in the region, a trend that largely continued in 2023 — albeit with emerging cracks.
Key States and Political Structures
1. Borno State: The APC’s Flagship in the Northeast
Borno remains the APC’s most fortified stronghold in the Northeast. Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, a technocrat-turned-politician, has been a shining star for the party, lauded nationwide for his proactive leadership, especially amid insurgency and humanitarian crises.
With Vice President Kashim Shettima, a former Borno Governor, now occupying Nigeria’s second-highest political office, the state has become the nerve center of the APC’s Northeast operations.
2. Yobe State: A Loyal APC Territory
Yobe, under Governor Mai Mala Buni — a former APC National Chairman — remains a bastion of party stability. His dual influence at the state and national level has helped the APC consolidate its grassroots strength, particularly through youth and women mobilization programs.
3. Adamawa State: A Swing State in Play
Though currently led by PDP’s Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the APC remains a force in Adamawa. The presence of political heavyweights like Senator Aisha Dahiru Ahmed “Binani” and former SGF Babachir Lawal ensures the party maintains strategic relevance.
4. Gombe State: The Jewel of the APC
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe has proven a loyal APC ally, steering clear of internal controversies and focusing on developmental governance. The state’s strategic centrality makes it a launchpad for APC campaigns across the Northeast.
5. Bauchi and Taraba: Battlegrounds with Mixed Fortunes
Bauchi and Taraba are more politically volatile for the APC. While the party has made gains in National Assembly elections, it has struggled to wrest governorship control. Internal disagreements and strong PDP bases, particularly in Bauchi, continue to pose challenges.
The APC’s Strengths in the Northeast
- Strong Political Figures: With personalities like Vice President Shettima, Gov. Zulum, and Gov. Buni, the APC enjoys strong representation in both federal and regional levels.
- Youth Mobilization: The party’s dominance in youth-based platforms such as the National Youth Council and the APC Youth Wing helps sustain momentum, especially in campuses and rural towns.
- Security and Humanitarian Interventions: Insecurity has ironically helped solidify support for APC-led governments, particularly in Borno and Yobe, where federal government support is seen as critical for rebuilding efforts.
- Religious and Traditional Alliances: APC has cultivated strong relationships with influential clerics and traditional rulers in the region, helping bridge gaps between politics and community leadership.
Challenges Confronting the APC
Despite its dominance, the APC in the Northeast faces several hurdles:
- Insecurity and Insurgency: Ongoing attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to create unrest in rural areas, hindering effective grassroots political engagement.
- Factionalism: Internal party rifts, particularly in Adamawa and Bauchi, threaten to weaken the APC’s unity ahead of 2027. Local leaders have accused Abuja-based politicians of imposing candidates, leading to defections and protest votes.
- Economic Discontent: Rising poverty, youth unemployment, and inflation are becoming rallying points for the opposition, with many voters increasingly disillusioned by what they see as unmet promises.
What Lies Ahead? 2027 and Beyond
As the 2027 general elections approach, the APC must strategize carefully to retain its dominance in the Northeast. There is speculation that the region may push for greater influence in party leadership structures, or even the presidency — particularly if power rotation becomes a contentious issue again.
The APC’s ability to manage internal divisions, revitalize its economic agenda, and present credible candidates at all levels will determine whether it consolidates its hold or cedes ground to a resurgent opposition.
Conclusion
The Northeast remains a political fortress for the APC — but a fortress with growing cracks. While the party’s achievements, strong personalities, and federal influence continue to give it the upper hand, complacency and internal friction could threaten its dominance.
To maintain its political relevance, the APC must return to its roots: engaging the grassroots, empowering the youth, resolving internal disputes, and addressing the socio-economic realities facing millions across the region.
If it succeeds, the Northeast will continue to be the heartbeat of the APC. If it falters, 2027 may usher in a political recalibration unlike anything seen since 2015.
Abdullahi Inuwa Social Commentator ainuwa303@gmail.com
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