Political Parties Have Lost Independence to Executive Control – APM National Chairman, Dantalle
The National Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Yusuf Dantalle, has lamented the loss of independence of political parties to executive control, saying the development has weakened internal democracy in the country.
Dantalle stated this on Tuesday while delivering a goodwill message at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue held in Bauchi State.
He explained that political parties in the past operated as independent institutions, with their leadership separate from elected government officials, adding that they were strong enough to ensure that elected officials aligned with their manifestos.
Dantalle argued that the situation has changed, as some executive officials now seek to control the leadership and structures of political parties.
“The leadership of political parties did not belong to elected officials. The party was a structure on its own, independent. And when people are elected, political parties ensure that elected officials align with the manifestos of the party,” he said.
Dantalle alleged that the takeover of party structures by the executive arm of government had weakened political parties and left them at the mercy of individuals capable of financing their activities.
He called on former and current political leaders, legislators, and Nigerians to work towards restoring the institutional independence of political parties.
“Today, it is about who has the financial wherewithal and who is in power, who can pay and also use the institution of the judiciary to destroy internal democracy in political parties,” he asserted.
The APM Chairman also alleged that individuals who were not members of political parties were sometimes brought in to claim leadership positions, while suspended or expelled members were used to create circumstances that could facilitate favourable judicial decisions.
Using his party as an example, Dantalle affirmed that the APM had faced a situation in which an individual who was allegedly not a member of the party claimed its leadership, while people who had been suspended or expelled from the party were involved in the dispute.
He blamed such developments on executive influence and individuals who believed that the country belonged to them, warning that the trend could have serious consequences for future generations.
Dantalle further criticised the use of state institutions to confront political opponents, citing the placement of the Osun State Government account on Post-No-Debit (PND) restriction by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) shortly before the state’s governorship election.
He described the development as an aberration and questioned why a state institution should be used to confront a political opponent.
The APM Chairman urged political leaders to consider the legacy they would leave behind, stressing that those currently in positions of authority would eventually leave office.
He added that Nigerians must work collectively to restore the integrity and independence of political institutions in the interest of the country.
