APC chieftain warns in opposition to godfather politics

APC Chieftain Warns Against Godfather Politics Amid Senator Jarigbe’s Defection to APC in Cross River

Introduction

As Nigeria’s 2027 general elections approach, political realignments are reshaping the landscape of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In Cross River State, a prominent APC chieftain, Gabriel Bravo Oluohu, has publicly endorsed Senator Jarigbe Agom’s recent shift from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Oluohu’s endorsement, framed as a strategic move to bolster the APC’s electoral prospects, coincides with ongoing debates about the party’s internal dynamics and its resistance to outdated “godfather politics.” This article examines the significance of Senator Jarigbe’s defection, analyzes its implications for APC leadership, and explores broader critiques of divisive political practices in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.

Analysis

The Senatorial Defection and Its Strategic Implications

Senator Jarigbe’s reported move to the APC has sparked significant discussion within Cross River State politics. Oluohu, a seasoned APC leader, praised Jarigbe’s decision in an opinion piece titled “God the Father, Not Godfathers.” He described Jarigbe as a “best-in-class lawmaker” whose integrity and grassroots appeal transcend party lines. By aligning with the APC, Jarigbe—a former PDP senator—aims to leverage the ruling party’s national clout to strengthen his 2027 senatorial ambitions.

Oluohu emphasized that such realignments are critical for inclusive governance, arguing that “politics should be guided by ability and not political dogma.” His remarks underscore growing frustration among Nigerian politicians with exclusionary coalition-building practices that prioritize loyalty over competence.

APC’s Internal Dynamics and Godfather Politics

While Oluohu lauds Jarigbe’s defection, internal dissent within the APC persists. Critics accuse the APC leadership of clinging to “godfather politics,” a term describing the concentration of power in the hands of a few influential figures. Oluohu directly admonished this trend, warning that “leaders must seek growth and empowerment, not slavery.” He highlighted how older politicians often enforce systemic barriers, stifling emerging talent and perpetuating stagnation.

This tension reflects broader challenges within Nigeria’s APC, where debates about merit versus patronage continue to define political alliances. Senator Jarigbe’s success in Cross River—where he defeated a sitting governor and two House of Representatives members in 2023—demonstrates the potential for revitalizing party cohesion through inclusive leadership.

Cross River State and the APC’s Electoral Strategy

Cross River, a southeastern state plagued by ethnic and economic diversity, has become a microcosm of APC’s national rebuilding efforts. Oluohu argued that Jarigbe’s defection disrupts the “merry-go-round politics” of the area, offering a path toward stability and progress. By integrating high-performing legislators like Jarigbe, the APC aims to counterbalance opposition strongholds and present a unified front ahead of the 2027 elections.

Jarigbe’s cross-party appeal—evident during his previous support for Ben Ayade during his governorship—positions him as a bridge-builder. Analysts suggest such figures could redefine the APC’s electoral strategy in ethnically polarized regions, emphasizing competence over cronyism.

Summary

APC chieftain Gabriel Bravo Oluohu has endorsed Senator Jarigbe Agom’s defection from the PDP to the APC, praising his performance and integrity. The move is framed as a strategic step to strengthen the APC’s position in Cross River ahead of the 2027 elections. Oluohu criticized the persistence of “godfather politics” within the party, urging Nigerian politicians to prioritize merit and coalition-building over divisive tactics. This shift highlights broader calls for inclusive leadership in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

Key Points

Practical Advice for Nigerian Politicians

1. Evaluate Leadership Beyond Party Affiliation

Politicians should prioritize candidates with proven records of integrity and community engagement over loyalty to party hierarchies. Jarigbe’s endorsement exemplifies how competence can transcend ideological boundaries, weakening systems reliant on “godfather” networks.

2. Foster Cross-Regional Coalitions

Building alliances across ethnic, religious, and ideological lines—like Jarigbe’s transboundary philosophy—can enhance electoral competitiveness. Such strategies mitigate regional biases and strengthen nationwide electoral strategies.

3. Encourage Merit-Based Primary Elections

The APC’s national leadership can avoid internal divisions by adopting transparent, participatory primary election processes that reward grassroots appeal over inherited authority.

Reflective Questions

• How can smaller parties adopt similar strategies to challenge dominant parties like the APC and PDP?
• What role does grassroots mobilization play in countering divisive political practices?

Points of Caution

While Senator Jarigbe’s defection offers strategic advantages, the APC risks alienating segments of its base if perceptions of insincerity emerge. Critics may accuse the party of “buying” support through high-profile defections rather than grassroots outreach. Additionally, Cross River’s ethnic diversity requires careful coalition management to avoid reigniting old divisions. The APC must demonstrate tangible benefits of its integration policy to maintain unity beyond symbolic endorsements.

Comparison: Godfather Politics vs. Merit-Based Integrity

Nigerian politics often contrasts traditions of “godfather politics” with merit-based leadership. Godfather systems, prevalent in APC and PDP history, centralize power among elites, limiting upward mobility for younger politicians. Senator Jarigbe’s trajectory—rising from Cross River North to national recognition—exemplifies the potential of talent-driven advancement. In contrast, rigid patronage networks suppress innovation, as seen in past leadership entrenchment in Oyo State and Lagos. The APC’s embrace of Jarigbe signals a tentative shift toward openness, but sustained success will depend on dismantling entrenched hierarchies.

Legal Implications of Political Defection

Under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, political parties retain autonomy over membership decisions. Defectors like Senator Jarigbe must navigate internal APC laws regarding dues and loyalty declarations but face no legal barriers to switching parties. However, the process remains contentious if perceived as destabilizing party structures. The APC’s Standing Rules allow for suspensions of members who violate discipline, a clause opponents may weaponize against defectors. Legal challenges could arise if critics allege financial inducements behind defection decisions, though no evidence exists in the current narrative.

Conclusion

Gabriel Bravo Oluohu’s endorsement of Senator Jarigbe marks a significant chapter in Cross River’s political evolution. By prioritizing merit and rejecting “godfather politics,” Oluohu aligns with broader APC efforts to modernize its leadership approach. While challenges like intra-party dissent and regional resistance persist, the focus on inclusive coalition-building could redefine Nigeria’s democratic ethos. As the 2027 elections loom, the APC’s ability to harmonize its diverse membership will determine its national clout and its legacy in fostering growth-oriented governance.

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