Abuja — A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Sam Onuigbo, has said the recent passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari will not derail the party’s political momentum or electoral prospects ahead of future polls.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Onuigbo dismissed concerns that Buhari’s death could weaken the APC, asserting that the party remains strong and focused on governance.
“There’s no denying that the late President Muhammadu Buhari was a major player in the nation’s political scene,” he said. “However, with more than 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, Nigerians are now voting for policies and performance, not just personalities.”
Onuigbo, a former lawmaker who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also brushed aside the recent rise in political activity within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following the defection of several high-profile opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, former Minister Rauf Aregbesola, and media personality Dele Momodu.
“APC cannot panic because of the emergence of ADC. APC is not shaking and it is not rattled because its policies are beginning to yield dividends,” he stated.
He stressed that the APC is not built around a single individual, noting that while the Buhari–Tinubu alliance helped shape the party’s foundation, the current administration has proven capable of charting its own path.
Onuigbo praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he called bold and necessary reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and policies aimed at stabilising the naira.
“Though some of Tinubu’s policies may be painful in the short term, their long-term benefits are undeniable,” he said. “The subsidy removal is a game changer—the savings are being reinvested in critical sectors.”
He also pointed to signs of improvement in the agricultural sector, claiming that food prices are beginning to decline due to government interventions.
“This government is focused on delivering real benefits to the people,” Onuigbo said, expressing confidence that continued policy success will solidify APC’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
