The post-primary crisis in the ruling All Progressives Congress has continued to expose growing divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite its dominance across the country.
According to GUARDIAN, complaints over alleged imposition of candidates, manipulated screening exercises, altered membership lists and controversial consensus arrangements have fuelled dissatisfaction among aspirants and party members in states such as Lagos, Rivers, Kano, Kaduna and Ogun.
Although party leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, repeatedly assured members of fairness, reconciliation and internal conflict resolution, many aggrieved aspirants accused governors and influential politicians of hijacking the primaries.
The report stated that some aspirants withdrew from the race after pressure from governors, promises of future appointments or fear of disqualification during screening processes believed to favour preferred candidates. Others were reportedly forced out by the financial demands associated with direct primaries.
The growing tension has raised fears that unresolved grievances could trigger anti-party activities, legal disputes and protest votes capable of weakening the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
The withdrawal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the APC governorship contest also generated political tension, with observers linking the move to the lingering Rivers political crisis and his strained relationship with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The report further noted that controversial provisions in the Electoral Act 2026, particularly those concerning direct primaries and consensus candidacies, further complicated the party’s internal processes.
President Tinubu was also reported to have supported APC governors by allowing them to supervise party primaries in their respective states, while lawmakers reportedly failed in their efforts to secure automatic return tickets.
As the primaries approached, tension and uncertainty reportedly intensified within the party, especially among lawmakers worried about losing their tickets. Reports later indicated that about 70 APC lawmakers lost their return tickets during the exercise.
Speaking to The Guardian, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the APC had become trapped by the same political framework it allegedly created.
He said the African Democratic Congress was benefiting politically from the confusion within the APC, adding that the ruling party had fallen victim to the same political trap it initially intended for opposition parties.
According to him, aspects of the Electoral Act, alongside the increasing reliance on direct primaries and consensus arrangements, were originally designed as political tools to weaken opposition parties but had now begun causing internal rebellion and dissatisfaction within the APC itself.
“And I’m also glad that many of the National Assembly members who conspired to make that Electoral Act against the wishes of the Nigerian people are now the first victims of that same Electoral Act,” he added.
Abdullahi further suggested that recent judicial interpretations weakening restrictions surrounding defections could open the door for dissatisfied APC members seeking alternative political platforms ahead of 2027.
“We are hoping that many of them who are unable to fit into their own party arrangements would come to us. I think the opposition parties would benefit from the chaos going on in the APC,” he stated….See More
