All Progressives Congress has reportedly shifted towards direct primaries for its 2027 elections following widespread resistance to consensus arrangements by party aspirants and stakeholders across the country.
The development came as Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on party members to avoid “do-or-die politics” and maintain peace, fairness, and sportsmanship throughout the primary election process.
The APC leadership was initially said to favour consensus candidates to reduce internal conflicts ahead of the general elections. However, pressure from aspirants in several states reportedly forced the party’s National Working Committee to allow competitive primaries in constituencies where agreements could not be reached.
The party also postponed its House of Representatives primaries to May 16, while other scheduled primaries remain unchanged.
In a statement issued through presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu urged party members to embrace unity and democratic principles during the exercise.
“Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters,” the president said, warning against actions capable of damaging party cohesion or Nigeria’s democracy.
Protests were reported in parts of the country over alleged imposition of candidates. In Ibadan, supporters of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu reportedly protested the endorsement of Sharafadeen Alli as a consensus governorship candidate in Oyo State.
In Ondo State, some aspirants accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of attempting to impose preferred candidates ahead of the primaries, allegations the state government denied while urging peaceful conduct.
Meanwhile, former Ondo State governor Olusegun Mimiko officially joined the APC after leaving the PDP, describing the Tinubu administration as one making visible progress in governance and development.
