APC Must Strengthen Commitment to Loyal Members, Group Declares

The All Progressives Congress (APC) faces a crucial call to action from the BAT Ideological Group (BAT-IG), which insists on strengthening commitment to its loyal members and grassroots supporters. Convener Bamidele Atoyebi articulates a vision for a more inclusive party structure, one that moves beyond elite-driven candidate selection towards a process where popular and capable individuals can genuinely emerge. This perspective, as reported by ThisDay, highlights a significant shift, with Atoyebi praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering greater grassroots participation and understanding the demands of ordinary party members. The group argues that the same rigorous scrutiny applied to party primaries should extend to political appointments, aiming to prevent appointees from becoming inaccessible and shutting out the very members who form the party's backbone. Atoyebi's personal encounters with struggling party loyalists underscore a widespread feeling of abandonment, a sentiment that intermediaries and representatives often fail to address. The proposed BAT-Home-Cell initiative is presented as a structured solution, designed to identify, monitor, and ensure that loyal supporters benefit from their contributions. Furthermore, the group warns that economic hardship and poor communication leave APC supporters vulnerable to opposition narratives, particularly on social media, emphasizing the need for better political orientation and support. This internal critique from within the APC framework underscores a desire for a more responsive and equitable party system, reflecting a Nigerian perspective on political party dynamics and governance.

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The old style of imposing candidates often produced leaders disconnected from the people and who are careless with public resources meant for development and party welfare.