APC vs. PDP

Attribute	APC	PDP
Ideology	Progressive	Liberal
Year Founded	1998	1998
Current Leader	Muhammadu Buhari	Uche Secondus
Number of States Controlled	20	16
Political Strength	Strong in the North	Strong in the South

History

The All Progressives Congress (APC) was formed in 2013 as a merger of several opposition parties in Nigeria. It was created with the aim of providing a strong alternative to the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP, on the other hand, was founded in 1998 and has been the dominant political party in Nigeria for many years. It held power at the federal level from 1999 to 2015.

Ideology

APC is generally seen as a center-right party with a focus on free-market policies and economic liberalization. It advocates for smaller government, deregulation, and privatization of state-owned enterprises. PDP, on the other hand, is considered a center-left party that emphasizes social welfare programs, government intervention in the economy, and a strong public sector presence.

Leadership

APC is currently led by President Muhammadu Buhari, who has been in office since 2015. Buhari is a former military ruler known for his anti-corruption stance and tough approach to security issues. PDP is led by Uche Secondus, who took over as National Chairman in 2017. Secondus is a seasoned politician with a background in grassroots mobilization.

Support Base

APC has a strong base of support in the northern part of Nigeria, particularly among the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group. It also has significant backing from the Yoruba in the southwest. PDP, on the other hand, has traditionally been more popular in the south-south and southeast regions of the country. It has a diverse support base that includes a wide range of ethnic and religious groups.

Performance

Since coming to power in 2015, APC has implemented several reforms aimed at improving governance, fighting corruption, and boosting the economy. However, the party has faced criticism for its handling of security challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency and farmer-herder conflicts. PDP, during its time in power, was praised for its economic growth and infrastructure development but was also accused of widespread corruption and mismanagement.

Internal Dynamics

APC has experienced internal divisions and power struggles, particularly between different factions within the party. These conflicts have sometimes hampered the party's ability to govern effectively and implement its agenda. PDP, on the other hand, has also faced internal challenges, including leadership disputes and defections to other parties. However, it has managed to maintain a relatively cohesive structure.

Electoral Performance

APC won the presidential election in 2015, marking the first time an opposition party had defeated the incumbent in Nigeria's history. The party also secured a majority in the National Assembly and several state governorships. PDP, on the other hand, suffered a major defeat in 2015 but made a comeback in the 2019 elections, winning several governorships and seats in the legislature.

Policy Agenda

APC's policy agenda includes initiatives to diversify the economy, improve infrastructure, and enhance security. The party has also pledged to continue its anti-corruption efforts and promote good governance. PDP, on the other hand, has focused on social welfare programs, job creation, and poverty alleviation. It has also emphasized the need for inclusive governance and respect for the rule of law.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the APC and PDP are two of the major political parties in Nigeria with distinct attributes and ideologies. While APC leans towards center-right policies and economic liberalization, PDP is more inclined towards center-left principles and social welfare programs. Both parties have their strengths and weaknesses, and their performance in government has been a subject of debate among Nigerians. As the country continues to navigate its political landscape, the competition between APC and PDP is likely to remain a defining feature of Nigerian politics.