The All Progressives Congress is facing growing internal tension ahead of the 2027 elections as governors and party aspirants clash over alleged attempts to impose candidates during the party primaries.
The dispute intensified as the APC began its primary elections for House of Representatives seats, with many aspirants rejecting consensus arrangements backed by governors and demanding direct primaries instead.
National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, warned party members against violence, anti-party activities and any actions capable of disrupting the primaries. He stated that anyone found undermining the process could face suspension from the party.
Despite the controversy at state levels, APC governors have unanimously endorsed Bola Tinubu as the party’s consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election. Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, said the governors were united in supporting Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
However, resistance to consensus arrangements has emerged across several states.
In Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel opposed moves toward consensus and prepared for a political battle over the Ogun East senatorial ticket. In Rivers State, APC governorship aspirant Tonye Cole declared that no consensus agreement existed and insisted only direct primaries were acceptable.
Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege also supported direct primaries, arguing that loyal lawmakers are needed in the National Assembly to protect Tinubu’s economic reforms.
In Nasarawa State, supporters of former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu accused state leaders of trying to manipulate the process in favour of another aspirant, Senator Ahmed Wadada. Similar complaints against alleged candidate imposition surfaced in Kaduna, Zamfara, Ondo and Kebbi states.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified that under Nigeria’s Electoral Act, any disagreement over consensus automatically requires the party to conduct primaries.
As tensions rise within the APC, the party’s National Working Committee has reportedly distributed election materials across states, signalling a shift toward direct primaries in areas where consensus arrangements have failed.
The internal contests are expected to shape the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the presidential primary scheduled for May 23.
