The Loyalty Illusion: APC Suspends Ex-Rep and Nine Party Officials But Is Dissent Now a Crime?
Democracy like we use to know is now something of a different meaning , dissent is healthy. But in the All Progressives Congress (APC), it’s apparently grounds for political execution.
The ruling party has once again reminded Nigerians that “party loyalty” often means blind obedience, as news broke that a former member of the House of Representatives and nine other APC officials have been suspended for what has been vaguely described as “anti-party activities and disloyalty.”
While the APC claims this move was necessary to “sanitize the party,” critics argue it’s the latest example of authoritarian tactics masquerading as party discipline. The message is clear: fall in line or fall out.
Who Was Suspended and Why?
Though full names were not disclosed in official briefings at press time, insider sources confirm that the suspended individuals include a former federal lawmaker with influence in the North-Central region and nine other grassroots party leaders.
Their crime? Alleged fraternization with opposition forces and failure to align with the party’s recent strategic directions.
Translation: they spoke out, disagreed, or refused to grovel.
Party Discipline or Political Witch Hunt?
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Nigeria’s political system has never truly welcomed internal democracy. But the APC, a party that once promised “change,” has arguably perfected the art of internal suppression.
This isn’t the first time dissenters have been axed under the guise of “party loyalty.”
- Remember when APC members in Rivers and Zamfara were suspended for “supporting wrong candidates”?
- Or when internal critics during the Buhari years were accused of working with the PDP?
The recurring pattern is not discipline it’s fear management.
Loyalty in Nigeria’s Politics: A Dangerous Weapon
In Nigeria, loyalty isn’t earned, it’s enforced. Political parties operate more like cults than democratic institutions. Once you’re in, you’re expected to:
- Say what they want you to say
- Vote how they want you to vote
- Clap when the emperor wears no clothes
Failure to do so? You’re labeled a traitor. Or worse, a “PDP agent.”
But here’s the problem: true democracy requires disagreement.
Without internal criticism, parties become echo chambers — breeding grounds for incompetence, sycophancy, and ultimately, collapse.
The Bigger Picture: APC’s Identity Crisis
What is the APC today, really?
A coalition of old power blocs? A vehicle for elections? A tribal alliance? Or just a hollow structure held together by fear and convenience?
The party’s internal conflicts from Tinubu loyalists vs. Northern elites, to grassroots factions vs. Abuja power broker suggest one thing: the APC is not battling disloyalty. It’s battling fragmentation.
The suspension of key voices may temporarily mask the cracks, but it won’t seal the leak.
Is Dissent a Threat or a Sign of Growth?
The irony is, the suspended officials may actually be trying to save the APC from itself. Dissent, when genuine, is an opportunity for self-correction. But instead of listening, the party is purging.
By silencing internal opposition, the APC is:
- Weakening its ideological credibility
- Alienating its grassroots base
- Fueling the very disunity it claims to be preventing
The real question isn’t “who is loyal?”
It’s “who is brave enough to speak when the party refuses to listen?”
ALSO READ
BREAKDOWN OF SALARY AND ALLOWANCES OF NIGERIA VICE PRESIDENT – FG
whatnextNG Thoughts: Loyalty Without Accountability is Tyranny
If loyalty means silence in the face of failure, then Nigeria needs more disloyal people.
If internal critics are labeled enemies, then APC isn’t a political party it’s a monarchy.
In a time when Nigerians are demanding real governance, transparency, and reform, the last thing we need is a party allergic to feedback.
Suspending politicians for dissent isn’t strength. It’s insecurity.
What do you think: Should political parties enforce loyalty at all costs, or make space for internal disagreement? Let’s debate. Drop your thoughts in the comments.
