Ahead of the commencement of House of Representatives primaries today, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing one of its most challenging internal periods as disagreements intensify over the selection of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Across several states, aspirants are increasingly clashing with governors over alleged attempts to impose consensus candidates. While governors have largely united in support of a consensus arrangement for President Bola Tinubu’s expected return as the party’s presidential candidate, many aspirants at governorship and legislative levels are strongly opposing similar arrangements.
The growing resistance reportedly forced the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to reconsider an initial push for consensus and instead approve direct primaries in many states by distributing election materials.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, warned aspirants against actions capable of disrupting the primary process.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said the party would not tolerate any conduct capable of threatening the integrity of the exercise.
He cautioned that any aspirant or supporter involved in violence, anti-party activities, unrest, or attempts to manipulate the process would face severe disciplinary action, including immediate suspension.
According to him, democratic contests naturally produce winners and losers, urging party members to display maturity and embrace the outcomes in the interest of party unity and democracy.
APC Governors Endorse Tinubu
Ahead of the primaries, the 31 APC governors endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s return bid through a consensus arrangement.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, announced the decision in Abuja during the submission of Tinubu’s nomination and expression of interest forms.
Uzodimma said the endorsement reflected resolutions reached at the APC Political Summit and emphasized that governors from APC-controlled states were united in supporting Tinubu’s continuation in office.
He stated that the governors would actively promote the administration’s policies and achievements to secure public support for a second term.
So far, only one party member, Stanley Osifo, has reportedly obtained forms to challenge Tinubu for the party’s presidential ticket.
Fierce Battles Emerging Across States
While support for Tinubu appears largely settled, several states are witnessing intense competition.
In Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel is preparing for a contest with Governor Dapo Abiodun over the Ogun East Senatorial ticket and has openly rejected consensus arrangements.
Likewise, Gboyega Isiaka is pushing forward with his governorship ambition despite increasing endorsements for Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as a preferred candidate.
In Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah praised the screening process and suggested that consensus had traditionally worked in the state due to existing political understanding among stakeholders.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago also disclosed plans to attempt consensus first before resorting to direct primaries if agreements fail.
Aspirants Reject Imposition
Across several states, aspirants continue to insist that direct primaries remain the fairest path, citing the Electoral Act as protection against imposed arrangements.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stressed that even where consensus exists, the law still requires a primary process and endorsement by party members at the grassroots level.
Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege also expressed support for direct primaries, arguing that lawmakers loyal to Tinubu’s reform agenda are needed in the National Assembly.
In Rivers State, governorship aspirant Tonye Patrick Cole firmly rejected suggestions of any consensus arrangement.
According to him, true consensus requires agreement among all aspirants, which he said never happened in Rivers.
Cole also dismissed concerns over Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s entry into APC, insisting both remained equal competitors.
Nasarawa Crisis Deepens
Nasarawa State has emerged as one of the most controversial battlegrounds.
Former Inspector-General of Police Muhammed Adamu accused Governor Abdullahi Sule of openly backing Senator Ahmed Wadada as his preferred candidate.
Although Adamu acknowledged the governor’s right to support a candidate, members of his campaign team accused the party leadership of pressuring ward executives to support a predetermined aspirant.
The Nasarawa APC Integrity Forum alleged that efforts were already underway to manipulate the process before voting even begins.
The group called on party leaders and President Tinubu to intervene, insisting democracy should allow members to decide freely.
Resistance Grows in Gombe, Kebbi, Kaduna and Zamfara
Former Minister of Communications, Prof. Isa Pantami, rejected reports of a consensus arrangement in Gombe State and called for transparent and independently managed direct primaries.
In Kebbi, senatorial aspirant Dr. Kabiru Sani Giant openly dismissed consensus, insisting that only direct voting allows party members to choose candidates freely.
In Kaduna, disagreements over endorsements involving Shehu Sani have exposed deeper internal rivalries, with some aspirants demanding direct primaries rather than stakeholder-backed arrangements.
Similarly, APC members in Zamfara criticized consensus, describing it as a mechanism often used by political leaders for personal interests.
Some aspirants argued that direct voting through Option A4 would better reflect the choices of party members.
Imo Governor Rejects Candidate Imposition
In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma assured party members that no candidate would be imposed.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Owerri, he stated that all aspirants would have equal opportunities during the process.
Uzodimma, however, emphasized the importance of respecting zoning arrangements and political understandings under the Imo Charter of Equity.
He announced that the party would adopt the Option A4 voting system to ensure transparency and wider participation.
According to him, over 100 aspirants have already obtained forms for State Assembly contests, while several others are competing for senatorial positions.
NWC Bows to Pressure
Party insiders disclosed that the NWC’s decision to distribute election materials nationwide reflected growing pressure from aspirants and stakeholders who preferred direct contests over consensus arrangements.
A senior party source said reports from many states showed that aspirants preferred allowing party members decide through voting rather than accepting negotiated outcomes.
With House of Representatives primaries marking the beginning of the APC’s internal election season, attention is expected to shift toward upcoming governorship and presidential contests, including the presidential primary scheduled for May 23.
As internal rivalries continue to unfold across the country, the APC faces a significant challenge in balancing party unity with demands for internal democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
APC Primaries: Aspirants Resist Consensus as Internal Tensions Rise Ahead of 2027 Polls
