The All Progressives Congress (APC) has come under fresh criticism over internal divisions and growing public dissatisfaction ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition analyst Elvis Elimihele declaring the ruling party “finished”.

However, public affairs commentator Dr Joe Udeaja insists President Bola Tinubu’s reforms and political strategy will secure his re-election.

The contrasting positions emerged on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, during People’s Voice programme on VOP TV, where the commentators clashed over the APC’s internal disputes, the opposition’s growing activities and the impact of the administration’s economic policies on Nigerians.

APC crisis is normal political realignment – Udeaja

Speaking remotely on the programme, Dr Udeaja dismissed suggestions that disagreements within the APC signalled an imminent collapse, arguing that internal friction was expected in a broad-based political party.

He maintained that President Tinubu had the political experience and strategic capacity to manage disagreements and bring aggrieved members together before the 2027 elections.

“The APC may face internal friction because it is a broad-based party, but President Tinubu is a master strategist,” Mr Udeaja said.

Defending the administration’s economic policies, he argued that the removal of the fuel subsidy and efforts to streamline government interventions were difficult but necessary decisions that previous administrations had avoided.

“When you implement deep structural reforms like subsidy removal, it causes discomfort, but these are decisions that previous leaders dodged for decades out of fear,” he said.

The commentator expressed confidence that the ruling party would resolve its internal disagreements before the elections, describing political coalitions and structural adjustments as part of the process of building electoral strength.

He also dismissed the opposition’s growing activities, arguing that its members had yet to demonstrate a unified political direction or present a convincing alternative to the Tinubu administration.

According to him, the opposition was relying largely on public frustration over current economic difficulties rather than a clearly defined governing blueprint.

‘APC is finished’ – Elimihele

However, Mr Elimihele rejected the suggestion that the APC’s internal disagreements were ordinary political challenges, describing the situation as evidence of a party struggling to maintain control of its members.

“You cannot imagine what is going on in the APC; it is looking very dramatic and comic,” he said.

The analyst cited disagreements over campaign council lists, alleged imposition of candidates and resistance from party officials in some states as signs of growing discontent within the ruling party.

He specifically referenced developments in Zamfara, Ogun and Osun, arguing that disputes over campaign structures had exposed tensions between party leadership and grassroots members.

“They are fighting themselves over campaign lists and imposing candidates, throwing their own loyal party members under the bus,” Mr Elimihele said.

He further questioned the party’s ability to maintain unity ahead of the elections, arguing that members who felt sidelined could become a liability to its electoral ambitions.

Atiku’s Northern reception signals opposition momentum – Elimihele

Mr Elimihele also pointed to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s visit to Sokoto, where he said the reception from supporters demonstrated growing opposition momentum in the North.

“Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar just landed in Sokoto to massive, unprecedented crowds because Nigerians are tired of empty promises and suffering,” he said.

The analyst argued that the public response reflected dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the economy and could strengthen the opposition’s prospects if political forces successfully align ahead of 2027.

He also criticised proposed cash grants ranging from N50,000 to N70,000, describing them as inadequate interventions that would do little to address the wider economic challenges confronting Nigerians.

Mr Elimihele maintained that temporary financial assistance could not resolve persistent inflation, declining purchasing power and the country’s electricity challenges.

Economic reforms or worsening hardship?

The programme also exposed the disagreement over whether the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms should be judged by their long-term objectives or the immediate realities facing Nigerians.

While Mr Udeaja insisted that subsidy removal and other structural adjustments were necessary to prevent deeper economic difficulties, Mr Elimihele argued that the hardship accompanying the policies had weakened public confidence in the ruling party.

The exchange highlighted two competing political narratives ahead of 2027: the APC’s argument that difficult reforms require time and political stability, and the opposition’s position that economic hardship and internal party divisions could translate into electoral rejection.

As political activities intensify, the ability of the ruling party to reconcile aggrieved members and convince Nigerians of the benefits of its policies is likely to remain central to the contest for the country’s leadership.

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