Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The All Progressives Congress has sparked fresh political debate after a party leader in Yobe State declared that the ruling party possesses the structure, leadership capacity and policy direction to govern Nigeria for more than a century, a statement delivered during a governance and innovation gathering in Damaturu on Thursday.
Muhammad Gadaka, Chairman of the APC in Yobe State, made the remarks at the Yobe Leadership and Innovation Summit 2026, where he was represented by the State Party Youth Leader, Muhammad Musa Gulani. He expressed confidence that the party’s organizational strength and long-term planning would sustain its dominance at federal, state and local government levels well beyond the foreseeable political cycle.
He said the party’s ambition was anchored on what he described as continuous policy refinement and governance programmes aimed at improving living conditions across the country. According to him, the APC remains committed to delivering measurable development outcomes while strengthening institutional governance structures nationwide.
Gadaka stated that the ruling party’s vision was centered on national transformation and long-term stability, arguing that ongoing reforms would eventually translate into improved welfare for citizens. He added that the party’s leadership structure remained focused on consolidating its influence across all tiers of government through sustained political engagement and performance-based governance.
In his words, “The vision of our party is to improve the lives of Nigerians and make Nigeria a great country. This party will continue to form governments at the federal, state, and local levels for more than 100 years.”
The statement, delivered in the presence of stakeholders at the summit, quickly drew attention due to its sweeping projection of political continuity, reflecting growing confidence among some party figures in the APC’s long-term electoral prospects amid Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
The Yobe Leadership and Innovation Summit 2026, where the remarks were made, brought together policymakers, youth leaders and development stakeholders to assess governance progress in the state and explore strategies for innovation-driven development. Organisers said the event also served as a platform to highlight achievements in youth inclusion in governance under the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni.
Chief Convener of the summit, Faruk Abdullahi Chiromari, said the gathering was intended to celebrate governance milestones in Yobe State, particularly in relation to youth participation in public administration. He noted that several young people have been appointed into key government positions, including as commissioners, special advisers, board members and local government officials, which he described as evidence of inclusive governance practices in the state.
Chiromari said the administration had demonstrated commitment to youth empowerment by expanding opportunities for younger citizens to contribute to decision-making processes. He added that such initiatives were helping to build a new generation of leaders while strengthening governance delivery at the state level.
The APC, which currently controls the federal government and several state administrations, has in recent years emphasized its reform agenda, focusing on economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional reforms. Party officials have repeatedly argued that these initiatives are aimed at long-term national development, although they have also faced scrutiny over economic challenges, security concerns and public expectations regarding governance outcomes.
Political analysts note that while statements projecting long-term dominance are not uncommon in party politics, they often generate debate in democratic systems where power rotation is a key feature of governance. In Nigeria’s multi-party environment, electoral competition remains a central element of political legitimacy, with voters ultimately determining leadership outcomes through periodic elections.
The remarks by the Yobe APC chairman come at a time when political parties across the country are intensifying mobilization efforts ahead of future electoral cycles. Observers say such declarations reflect internal confidence-building measures within party structures, particularly in regions where ruling parties maintain strong grassroots networks and institutional presence.
In Yobe State, the APC has maintained significant political influence since the return of democratic governance in 1999, with successive administrations working closely with party structures to implement development programmes. Supporters of the party argue that continuity in governance has enabled policy stability and gradual improvements in infrastructure and public services, although critics continue to call for broader reforms and increased accountability.
The summit itself highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government to integrate young people into governance processes, a strategy officials say is intended to foster leadership development and ensure sustainability in public administration. Participants at the event discussed innovation, education and economic empowerment as key drivers of future development in the state.
While the APC leadership continues to project confidence in its governance agenda, Nigeria’s political landscape remains dynamic, shaped by shifting alliances, electoral competition and evolving public expectations. Analysts emphasize that long-term political dominance in a democratic system ultimately depends on performance, public trust and the ability of parties to adapt to changing socio-economic conditions.
The statement by the Yobe APC chairman has therefore added to ongoing national conversations about political longevity, governance performance and the future of party politics in Nigeria, particularly as stakeholders across different sectors continue to evaluate the direction of leadership and development in the country.
Political rhetoric projecting long-term dominance by ruling parties in Nigeria is often viewed by political observers as part of broader efforts to consolidate internal cohesion and project confidence ahead of future elections. However, such statements also tend to generate debate in democratic contexts where periodic elections and leadership turnover are central principles of governance. Analysts frequently note that the durability of any political party ultimately depends on electoral performance, public satisfaction and the ability to respond to economic and security challenges.
The Yobe summit at which the remarks were made also reflects a wider national trend of youth-focused governance discussions, with state governments and political actors increasingly emphasizing inclusion of younger citizens in decision-making structures. Such engagements are frequently presented as mechanisms for leadership renewal and innovation, contributing to ongoing debates about governance reform and political participation across Nigeria.
Such discussions continue to shape political engagement as Nigeria moves toward future electoral cycles and governance reforms nationwide.
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