CALABAR – The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Mr. Christopher Sunny Etta, has said political parties in Nigeria are yet to develop distinct ideological identities, arguing that the country’s democratic landscape is still driven largely by personalities and political platforms rather than clearly defined philosophies.
Etta made the observation on Monday during a town hall meeting with journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Calabar while responding to questions on party ideology and the country’s evolving democratic process.
According to him, although political parties often proclaim different visions and programmes, ideological distinctions remain weak as politicians frequently move from one party to another without significant shifts in political beliefs.
“Nigerian political parties are not yet truly ideological. What we largely have are political platforms through which people pursue their aspirations. If our parties were driven strictly by ideology, you would not see the level of movement from one party to another that characterises our politics today,” he said.
The APC chairman noted that the country’s democracy was still evolving and expressed optimism that political parties would eventually develop stronger ideological foundations as democratic institutions mature.
He explained that while parties currently share many similar policy objectives, healthy political competition should ultimately be anchored on clearly articulated principles, governance philosophies and long-term developmental agendas.
Etta said strengthening internal democracy, promoting issue-based campaigns and encouraging greater civic participation would help deepen ideological politics and improve democratic governance.
He further urged Nigerians to evaluate political parties not merely by the personalities leading them but by their commitment to good governance, accountability and the delivery of tangible benefits to citizens.
The APC chairman also stressed the need for political actors to place national interest above personal ambition, arguing that the country’s democratic development depends on responsible leadership and institutional growth.
He maintained that the APC remained committed to strengthening democratic institutions through policies and programmes that promote sustainable development and responsive governance in Cross River State and across the country.
Etta called on journalists to play a more active role in educating citizens on democratic values and policy issues, saying the media had a critical responsibility to shift political discourse away from personalities towards issues that directly affect governance and national development.
