All Is Not Well In The APC

For years, the grassroots have remained the backbone of the All People’s Congress (APC). They have carried the party through difficult political periods, defended its interests in their communities and remained loyal despite economic hardship, political uncertainty and internal disagreements.

These are ordinary supporters from different social and economic backgrounds. They may not hold senior positions within the party, but they are the people who keep its political machinery alive. They walk long distances to register as voters, stand in queues to cast their ballots, mobilise communities, attend meetings and defend the party among friends, families and neighbours.

They are not simply voters.

They are the engine room of the APC.

But today, that engine is showing signs of strain.

Since the 2023 elections, serious concerns have continued to emerge among supporters about the conduct and outcome of the elections, the party’s response to the post-election environment and the effectiveness of its internal leadership. The difficult question is whether the party has done enough to address those concerns.

Too many grievances appear to have remained unresolved. Too many supporters feel unheard, while internal disagreements have continued to consume political energy that should instead be directed toward rebuilding the organisation.

The APC must be honest with itself. Pretending that everything is normal will not solve the problems.

A political party is like an engine. When maintenance is neglected, friction increases, performance declines and eventually the entire system becomes vulnerable. The same applies to a political organisation when its structures weaken, leadership positions become uncertain and personal interests begin competing with the collective interest.

There is nothing wrong with political ambition. Every member has the right to aspire to leadership and pursue political advancement. But ambition must operate within a system that protects the stability of the institution.

The resignation of individuals from strategic positions to pursue political ambitions has raised legitimate questions about continuity and responsibility. When important positions become vacant, the party must have strong mechanisms to ensure that its structures continue functioning effectively.

The APC must also confront divisions that have emerged at ward, constituency and district levels. Political competition is normal in any democratic organisation, but it becomes dangerous when members begin treating one another as enemies and competing interests become more important than the survival of the party.

The greatest danger facing the APC may therefore not come from outside.

A supporter who feels ignored today may become an unmotivated campaigner tomorrow. A grassroots member who feels excluded may gradually withdraw from party activities. And when that happens on a wider scale, the consequences can become politically serious.

The leadership must therefore return to the grassroots and listen.

It must create meaningful opportunities for members to express their concerns without fear. It must acknowledge weaknesses where they exist, address legitimate grievances and strengthen the structures that connect ordinary members to the party leadership.

The grassroots must not matter only when elections are approaching.

The APC still has experienced politicians, committed supporters, young people, professionals and a long political history. It does not lack people or political capacity. What it needs is renewed trust, credible leadership, internal justice, institutional discipline and a genuine commitment to inclusiveness.

The party must stop managing symptoms while ignoring the deeper problems. It must move beyond factional competition and begin rebuilding the institution.

Personal ambitions should not be allowed to weaken collective strength.

Leadership should not be measured by who controls the most structures, but by who can build stronger institutions, unite members and restore confidence.

The APC has time to correct its course, but that requires honesty and action.

The party must listen before frustration becomes deeper. It must rebuild before divisions become permanent. And it must reconnect with the people who have carried it through its most difficult moments.

The road to electoral strength does not begin at the top.

It begins in the wards, constituencies, districts and communities where ordinary supporters live.

The grassroots are the APC’s foundation, fuel and engine room. If they remain united, confident and motivated, the  party can rebuild its political strength.

But if they lose hope, no leadership structure can afford to ignore the consequences.