APC Governorship primaries crisis deepens as Aspirants reject consensus deals in Kwara, Lagos, Rivers, Gombe

Fresh political tensions have erupted within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress as resistance to consensus governorship arrangements intensifies across several states ahead of the party’s 2027 governorship primaries.

With the APC scheduled to conduct governorship primaries in 28 states, party stakeholders are now battling growing internal disagreements, accusations of candidate imposition, zoning controversies, and fears of deeper divisions that could weaken the party before the next general elections.

Political observers say the unfolding crisis is rapidly becoming one of the biggest tests of internal democracy for the ruling party since the 2023 elections.

APC Governorship Primaries Trigger Nationwide Tension

The crisis escalated after several governorship aspirants openly rejected attempts by governors and party leaders to impose preferred candidates through consensus arrangements.

According to party documents, over 101 aspirants purchased governorship nomination forms across 28 states, generating more than ₦5 billion for the APC.

However, instead of promoting unity, the process has exposed deep fractures within state chapters of the party, particularly in Kwara, Rivers, Lagos, Gombe, Oyo, Adamawa, Bauchi, Nasarawa, and Plateau states.

Many aspirants insist that governorship tickets must be decided through transparent primaries rather than endorsements by governors or political godfathers.

The dispute has raised concerns about possible defections, litigation, and factional crises within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kwara Emerges Major Battleground in APC Succession Crisis

Kwara State has become the centre of the APC succession battle after recording the highest number of governorship aspirants nationwide.

The state reportedly has 16 aspirants contesting for the APC governorship ticket, reflecting growing political tension over who succeeds Governor Abdulrahman AbduRazaq.

The governor recently endorsed businessman Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki as his preferred successor, a move that immediately triggered backlash among other aspirants.

Several contenders reportedly boycotted strategic meetings organised by the governor over fears that the process was designed to impose a candidate.

Political stakeholders within Kwara APC are also divided over zoning arrangements, with debates intensifying over whether the next governor should emerge from Kwara Central, Kwara North, or Kwara South.

Observers believe the outcome of the Kwara APC primary could reshape the political balance in the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Rivers APC Primary Raises Questions Over Fubara’s Fate

In Rivers State, uncertainty continues to surround the political future of Governor Siminalayi Fubara within the APC.

Reports indicate that many loyalists of the governor were screened out of the House of Assembly primaries, fueling allegations that forces loyal to Nyesom Wike are tightening control over the party structure in Rivers State.

Although Fubara was reportedly cleared to participate in the governorship screening process, political insiders claim he faces an uphill battle because he allegedly lacks control of the APC machinery in the state.

The situation has intensified political anxiety among supporters of the governor, with youth groups and party loyalists calling for fairness and internal democracy within the APC.

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Pantami Withdraws from Gombe Governorship Race

Another major blow hit the APC in Gombe State after former Communications Minister Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami withdrew from the governorship race.

Pantami accused the party leadership of violating the Electoral Act 2026 and undermining democratic procedures during the primary process.

In a strongly worded statement, the former minister alleged that the governorship exercise had already been compromised and lacked transparency.

His withdrawal has further heightened concerns about the credibility of APC primaries nationwide.

Political analysts say the development reflects growing dissatisfaction among aspirants who believe consensus arrangements are increasingly being used to sideline competitors.

Tinubu Reportedly Disturbed by Candidate Imposition Allegations

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly unhappy over allegations of candidate imposition and manipulation during APC primaries across the country.

Sources within the party claimed the President recently warned governors against acting as “judges in their own cases” during the selection process.

Tinubu was also quoted as directing the party’s national leadership to restore credibility and fairness where irregularities allegedly occurred.

The intervention followed widespread protests from aggrieved aspirants in states including Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Adamawa, Edo, and Ondo.

Political analysts believe the APC leadership now faces the difficult task of balancing consensus politics with demands for open and transparent primaries.

Lagos, Oyo, Adamawa Record Intense Political Competition

In Lagos State, political negotiations intensified as some aspirants aligned behind Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, while others continued to insist on participating in the governorship contest.

Abdul-Azeez Adediran had earlier stepped down and endorsed Hamzat, citing party unity.

Meanwhile, states such as Oyo State, Adamawa State and Bauchi State also recorded unusually high numbers of governorship aspirants, reflecting rising political ambitions and unresolved succession calculations within the APC.

Analysts Warn APC Over Internal Democracy Crisis

Political observers warn that unresolved disputes over consensus candidates could deepen divisions within the APC and affect the party’s performance in the 2027 elections.

Experts argue that while consensus arrangements can reduce internal conflict, attempts to impose candidates without broad consultation may trigger rebellion, defections, and legal battles.

With governorship primaries approaching, attention now shifts to whether the APC leadership can successfully manage the crisis and prevent further fragmentation within the ruling party.

FAQ

Why are APC governorship aspirants rejecting consensus candidates?

Many aspirants believe consensus arrangements are being used to impose candidates chosen by governors and party leaders instead of allowing fair democratic competition through open primaries.

Which states are experiencing APC governorship primary crises?

Major APC governorship crises have been reported in Kwara, Rivers, Lagos, Gombe, Oyo, Adamawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Yobe states.

Who did Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq endorse in Kwara?

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq endorsed businessman Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki as his preferred successor ahead of the APC governorship primary.

Why is Kwara APC facing political tension?

Kwara APC is facing tension because multiple aspirants oppose attempts to impose a consensus candidate amid zoning disputes and succession battles.

Did Isa Pantami withdraw from the APC governorship race?

Yes. Former Minister Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami withdrew from the APC governorship race in Gombe State, citing alleged irregularities and lack of transparency in the primary process.

What did Bola Tinubu say about APC candidate imposition?

Reports indicate that President Bola Tinubu expressed concern over allegations of candidate imposition and directed APC leaders to restore fairness in states where irregularities allegedly occurred.

Is Siminalayi Fubara contesting under APC?

Governor Siminalayi Fubara reportedly participated in APC governorship screening in Rivers State, though uncertainty remains over his political future within the party.

How many governorship aspirants bought APC forms nationwide?

According to reports, over 101 governorship aspirants purchased APC nomination forms across 28 states ahead of the primaries.

What is the APC governorship nomination form price?

The APC fixed the governorship expression of interest form at ₦10 million and the nomination form at ₦40 million.

When will APC conduct governorship primaries?

The APC governorship primaries are scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

Could APC’s internal crisis affect the 2027 elections?

Political analysts believe unresolved disputes, candidate imposition allegations, and internal divisions could negatively affect APC’s unity and electoral chances in 2027.