‘APC Primaries Reflect Shift Toward Grassroots Democracy’

Convener of the BAT Ideological Group (BAT-IG), Bamidele Atoyebi, has said the ongoing primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reflect a growing shift toward grassroots democracy and wider participation within the ruling party.

The group in a statement titled, “BAT-Home-Cell: APC Needs be More Committed, Dedicated to Members,” said the primaries have moved away from the old culture of elite-driven candidate selection, allowing more popular and capable individuals to emerge through broader consultation with party members.

According to Atoyebi, the previous practice of imposing candidates often produced leaders who were disconnected from the people and careless with public resources meant for development and party welfare.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for encouraging greater grassroots participation in the party’s internal processes, describing him as a leader who understands the demands of ordinary party members for proper representation and inclusion.

He argued that the same level of transparency and scrutiny seen during party primaries should also be extended to political appointments, including ministers and heads of government agencies.

According to him, many political appointees become inaccessible after assuming office, relying on gatekeepers and distancing themselves from loyal party members who understand the challenges facing communities.

Drawing from personal experiences, Atoyebi recounted visiting the Tinubu Support Group office, where he encountered poor welfare conditions and met a female supporter struggling financially despite years of loyalty to the party.

He said the experience reflected the broader hardship and feelings of neglect among many APC faithful across the country.

He maintained that President Tinubu is known for helping people who can directly access him, but said the disconnect is often caused by intermediaries who fail to properly manage relationships between government officials and grassroots supporters.

To bridge the gap, Atoyebi highlighted the BAT-Home-Cell initiative, which he described as a grassroots structure designed to identify loyal members, monitor participation and ensure supporters benefit from their contributions to the party.

The BAT-IG convener warned that economic hardship and poor communication have left many APC supporters vulnerable to opposition narratives, particularly on social media.

He noted that some frustrated party loyalists have become receptive to criticisms surrounding fuel prices, electricity tariffs and the rising cost of living because they lack adequate political orientation and support.

Atoyebi, however pointed to government programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives, and infrastructure projects including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway as major interventions with long-term economic benefits.