Service‑Wide Vote drama is heating up again, and the APC has not held back. In a recent statement the party labelled former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar "more disoriented and misguided than ever before" for questioning the purpose of the Service‑Wide Vote. As a veteran journalist, I can see both sides of the story, so let’s break it down, sprinkle some local flavor, and ask the big question: is Atiku truly out of touch, or is the APC simply playing political chess?
What the APC actually said
The APC’s communiqué reads like a classic political rebuttal:
- Atiku should know the meaning – The party argues that as a former Vice‑President and a long‑standing presidential aspirant, Atiku “ought to understand the meaning and purpose of a Service‑Wide Vote.”
- He is “disoriented” – The language is strong, describing him as “more disoriented and misguided than ever before.”
- Call for unity – The APC urges party members to stay focused on the upcoming elections, implying that Atiku’s comments sow division.
In plain English, the APC is saying: If you have been in the corridors of power, you should know how the party’s internal processes work. Your criticism looks like a distraction.
Atiku’s side of the story
Atiku, on his part, has not been silent. In a recent interview he claimed:
"The Service‑Wide Vote is being used as a tool to silence dissenting voices within the party. If the process is truly democratic, why are dissenting opinions brushed aside?"
He argues that the vote, meant to be a transparent, inclusive mechanism for selecting the party’s flag‑bearer, is being manipulated to favour a predetermined candidate. Atiku’s supporters say he is merely calling for internal democracy, a principle the APC claims to cherish.
The broader context
Nigeria’s political landscape is no stranger to internal party tussles. The Service‑Wide Vote was introduced by the APC in 2022 to replace the former delegate system, promising greater participation across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Critics, however, point out that the implementation has been uneven:
| Issue | APC’s stance | Atiku’s critique |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | Claims the process is open and monitored. | Says the results are pre‑arranged and not truly reflective of member votes. |
| Inclusivity | Highlights the involvement of grassroots members. | Argues that only loyalists get real voting cards, sidelining dissenters. |
| Timing | Defends the schedule as aligned with the party’s electoral calendar. | Calls the timing “strategic,” aimed at marginalising opponents. |
Both sides invoke the same principle – democracy – but interpret it through different lenses.
Why it matters to us ordinary Nigerians
For the average citizen, these internal squabbles might seem like elite drama, but they have real consequences. The party that wins the internal vote usually fields the presidential candidate, and the integrity of that process can shape public trust in the eventual election. As the proverb goes, "When the river is calm, the fish are easy to catch; when it’s turbulent, you need a sturdy net." In other words, a chaotic party primary can either expose weaknesses or reinforce them.
A gossipy take – who’s really winning?
If you ask the market traders in Lagos or the youths in Enugu, you’ll hear a mix of amusement and anxiety. Some say the APC is playing hardball to keep Atiku out of the limelight, while others believe Atiku is testing the party’s resolve – a strategic move to rally his base before the general election. There’s even talk that the APC’s harsh wording is a signal to other dissenters: “Step back, or you’ll be labeled disoriented.”
The media’s role
As journalists, we must tread carefully. Reporting on internal party affairs requires balanced coverage – giving voice to both the party’s official statements and the opposition’s grievances. Over‑sensationalising can fuel misinformation, while under‑reporting can silence legitimate concerns. In this case, the APC’s strong language and Atiku’s pointed questions both deserve scrutiny.
What should we keep an eye on?
- Verification of voting data – Are the results being independently audited?
- Member reactions – Are grassroots members voicing support for the APC’s narrative or Atiku’s call for reform?
- Legal challenges – Could Atiku or his allies take the matter to the courts, citing procedural irregularities?
Closing thought
The showdown over the Service‑Wide Vote is more than just a spat between two political heavyweights; it’s a litmus test for how democratic the APC truly is. Whether Atiku is disoriented or the APC is overreacting, the outcome will shape the party’s image ahead of the 2027 elections.
So, fellow AprokoNation members, what do you think? Is Atiku’s criticism a genuine plea for internal democracy, or is the APC right to call him out for sowing confusion? Share your thoughts – the floor is yours.