By joshua 
A Newly Selected APC Ward Executives and the Politics of Misplaced Authority
By Musa Tanimu Nasidi
Politics at the grassroots level is expected to strengthen democratic participation, deepen party structures and promote unity among members. However, when newly selected party officials attempt to assume powers beyond their mandate, the result can be confusion, unnecessary tension and a distortion of democratic principles. The recent controversy involving some newly selected ward executives of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi West Senatorial District illustrates this concern.
In any political party, ward executives occupy a strategic but clearly defined position. They serve as the first point of political engagement between party leadership and grassroots members. Their responsibilities revolve around mobilising support, maintaining party discipline, resolving minor internal disputes and strengthening the party’s presence within their respective wards.
What ward executives are not empowered to do, however, is to assume the authority of the electorate or attempt to pass political verdicts on officials elected by millions of voters.
Yet recent developments suggest that some newly selected ward executives appear to have misunderstood the boundaries of their roles. Barely settling into their positions, a few among them have reportedly joined or supported attempts to question the legitimacy or performance of Sunday Steve Karimi through actions described in political circles as a so-called “vote of no confidence.”
Such actions raise fundamental questions. Can ward executives—many of whom emerged through internal party arrangements rather than direct popular elections—claim the authority to pass judgment on a senator elected across several local government areas?
The simple answer is no.
In Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, the authority to elect or reject a senator lies strictly with the electorate. The mandate enjoyed by a member of the National Assembly of Nigeria is derived from voters across the entire senatorial district. No ward executive committee, regardless of its enthusiasm, can substitute that collective democratic decision.
This is not merely a matter of political etiquette; it is a matter of democratic order.
Political analysts note that newly selected grassroots leaders sometimes fall into the trap of political over excitement. In their eagerness to demonstrate loyalty or relevance, they may align with local political interests that encourage dramatic gestures. Unfortunately, such gestures often create more division than progress.
For the APC in Kogi West, unity should remain the overriding priority. The party has built significant political capital over the years through the collective efforts of its leaders, stakeholders and supporters. Internal misunderstandings, particularly those fuelled by inexperienced officials seeking quick recognition, risk undermining that progress.
Ward executives must remember that their true strength lies in organisation and mobilisation—not confrontation.
Their primary duty is to strengthen the party base, engage voters, support elected representatives and ensure that party policies resonate with grassroots realities. When ward executives focus on these responsibilities, they become invaluable pillars of the political structure.
But when they drift into political theatrics, they weaken the very institution they were selected to serve.
Another important point worth noting is the issue of political maturity. Leadership at any level demands patience, understanding and respect for institutional hierarchy. Newly selected officials are expected to learn the culture of party politics, consult experienced stakeholders and avoid becoming instruments in larger political battles they may not fully understand.
The APC, like every major political party, has established channels for addressing grievances and disagreements. If party members are dissatisfied with the conduct of an elected official, those concerns should be raised through recognised party structures rather than through symbolic declarations that carry little legal or political significance.
Democracy thrives when institutions function according to clearly defined roles. Confusion of authority—especially at the grassroots level—can weaken both party unity and public confidence in the political system.
Ultimately, the voters of Kogi West Senatorial District remain the true judges of their representatives. At the appropriate time, they will evaluate the performance of leaders such as Sunday Steve Karimi and make their decisions through the ballot box.
Until then, newly selected ward executives would do well to focus on their core responsibilities: building party cohesion, mobilising support and strengthening grassroots democracy.
Anything beyond that risks turning political enthusiasm into political error.