OSUN POLL: Grassroots Mobilisation, Party Unity Key to APC Victory — Nwamba
By Pan Afric Reporters
Rt. Hon. Chinedu Nwamba, Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of the Senator Representing Enugu North Senatorial District, has identified grassroots mobilisation and party unity as the critical factors that will determine the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s success in the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
Nwamba stated this while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the inauguration of the APC National Campaign Council for the Osun State Off-Cycle Governorship Election at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where he urged party leaders to sustain grassroots engagement and maintain internal cohesion to secure victory at the polls.
Drawing from the APC’s experience in a recent by-election, the political adviser said the party’s success was achieved through direct engagement with voters rather than relying solely on campaign rhetoric.
According to him, the APC adopted an intensive grassroots strategy by taking its campaign to communities, villages and wards, a move that ultimately translated into electoral success.
“The strategy was very simple. We went down to the grassroots. We reached out to the people, visited the villages, and engaged directly with the voters. As a result, the by-election produced impressive results,” he said.
Nwamba noted that the campaign was driven by sustained mobilisation across the grassroots, stressing that the party deliberately focused on reaching every ward and community.
“For the first time, the APC candidate won that election. It was a product of hard work, dedication and sustained grassroots mobilisation. We focused on meeting people in the 18 wards, visiting communities and villages rather than relying on rhetoric. That is the secret.”
He further observed that the APC possesses a strong political structure across the country, with members spread across virtually every community, including individuals who had defected from other political parties.
“The APC has members in virtually every community and every ward, including people who previously belonged to other political parties. When you organise and mobilise them effectively, they become a strong force for the party.”
Offering advice ahead of the Osun governorship poll, Nwamba urged the APC leadership to preserve internal unity, describing it as the foundation of every electoral victory.
He argued that the success recorded in previous elections was largely because party leaders worked together and ensured that no stakeholder was left behind.
“My advice is that the party should remain united. Unity is very important. During the last election, we succeeded because we worked together and carried every member of the party along.”
The political adviser also encouraged the party to deepen engagement with both its members and the wider electorate, saying people are more likely to remain loyal when they feel recognised and valued.
“The party should continue to reach out to its members and the general public. Once you approach people and make them feel included, they develop a sense of belonging. They know they are recognised and valued.”
According to him, feelings of exclusion often weaken political organisations, while inclusiveness strengthens loyalty and commitment.
“What often makes people leave a system is the feeling that they are not recognised. When people are appreciated and carried along, they remain committed and continue to support the party.”
The APC inaugurated its National Campaign Council in Abuja as part of preparations for the August 15 Osun State off-cycle governorship election, with party leaders expressing confidence that an aggressive grassroots campaign and sustained mobilisation would position the party for victory.
