As the 2027 general elections draw closer, major political parties are grappling with internal crises triggered by controversial primaries, succession battles, and power struggles involving governors, senators, former governors, and influential party leaders.
Investigations reveal that political tensions are escalating in several states, including Delta, Kano, Kogi, Ogun, Rivers, Edo, Cross River, Kwara, Ondo and Gombe, where allegations of candidate imposition, manipulation of party structures and supremacy battles have deepened divisions within the APC, PDP and other political platforms.
In Delta State, the APC has been thrown into turmoil following the defeat of former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege in the Delta Central senatorial primary. Omo-Agege rejected the outcome of the exercise, insisting that he remained the authentic winner despite the declaration of Senator Ede Dafinone as the party’s candidate.
Kano State is also witnessing growing political tension as disagreements within the Kwankwasiyya movement continue to widen. Allegations of candidate imposition and control of party structures have fuelled discontent among stakeholders, while rival camps battle for influence ahead of the elections.
In Kogi, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho has challenged the outcome of the APC senatorial primary after losing the ticket for Kogi East, accusing powerful interests within the party of manipulating the process in favour of another candidate.
A fierce supremacy battle is unfolding in Ogun State between Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Gbenga Daniel over the Ogun East senatorial seat. Daniel has rejected moves to endorse Abiodun as a consensus candidate, insisting that only a transparent primary election should determine the party’s flag bearer.
The political rivalry between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains a major source of tension in Rivers State. The exclusion of several pro-Fubara aspirants from party primaries has further widened the divide between both camps.
In Edo State, factions within both the APC and PDP are battling for control of party structures and political influence ahead of the next electoral cycle, raising concerns about possible defections and prolonged internal disputes.
Cross River politics is also becoming increasingly heated as stakeholders position themselves for the post-2027 era. Governor Bassey Otu’s perceived influence over succession arrangements has generated anxiety among party leaders, while former Governor Ben Ayade is reportedly seeking to preserve his relevance within the state’s political landscape.
Fresh cracks have also emerged within the APC in Kwara State following the governorship primary that produced Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu as the party’s candidate. The outcome has reportedly unsettled several interests within the ruling party and triggered fresh political realignments.
In Ondo State, the APC primaries produced major upsets as several serving senators and members of the House of Representatives failed to secure return tickets. The development has intensified rivalry between political blocs loyal to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and supporters of the late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Meanwhile, political observers in Gombe State believe the emergence of former Communications Minister Isa Ali Pantami as the PDP governorship candidate has altered the state’s political equation and could pose a significant challenge to the APC’s dominance.
Analysts warn that unless party leaders address the growing grievances among members, the wave of internal crises, defections and factional struggles may significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
