Tensions Rise in APC as NWC Pushes Back Against Tinubu’s Alleged Control of Governors’ Ticket Powers

Fresh cracks have emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as members of the National Working Committee (NWC) reportedly move against President Bola Tinubu’s alleged directive granting state governors expanded influence over the selection of party candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party insiders say the development has created unease within the ruling party, with concerns that the move could weaken the authority of the national leadership and deepen internal divisions across several states.

According to multiple sources within the party hierarchy, the controversy stems from a reported directive empowering APC governors to take a dominant role in determining aspirants who secure tickets in their respective states.

An NWC member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “a dangerous concentration of power outside the party structure,” warning that it could render the national leadership ineffective.

“What is happening is that the party structure is being sidelined. If this continues, the NWC risks becoming irrelevant in the real decision-making process,” the source said.

Growing Resistance Within Party Leadership

Findings indicate that some members of the NWC are already considering countermeasures, including mobilising aggrieved aspirants to resist the arrangement and force a review of the process ahead of the primaries.

Another party official warned that the development could trigger widespread dissatisfaction among aspirants who feel disadvantaged by governor-led nomination processes.

“The fear is that loyalty will shift from the party to state power blocs. That is dangerous for internal democracy,” the official added.

State-Level Power Struggles Emerge

The directive has reportedly intensified existing rivalries in several states.

In Abia State, competing claims of leadership between Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and former governor Senator Orji Uzor Kalu have heightened tensions within the party structure.

In Delta State, political alignments between Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege are said to be reshaping the battle for senatorial and House of Representatives tickets, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori allegedly backing certain interests.

Nasarawa State is also witnessing rising tension following Governor Abdullahi Sule’s reported support for Senator Ahmed Wadada, a recent defector, a move which has unsettled long-standing party members.

Wider Fallout Across States

Similar disputes are reportedly brewing in Cross River, Rivers, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Enugu states, as party stakeholders struggle for influence ahead of the primaries.

In Rivers State, political observers say a delicate balance is emerging between supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, both key figures in the APC’s evolving structure in the state.

In Benue, a power tussle between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has further deepened divisions within the party.

Warning of Electoral Consequences

A member of the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) cautioned that the internal wrangling could affect the party’s performance in 2027 if not urgently addressed.

He warned that aggrieved members may withdraw support from mobilisation efforts if they feel alienated in the ticket allocation process.

“Party politics requires careful balancing. If members feel shut out, it will reflect in the general elections,” he said.

Party Reacts Cautiously

When contacted, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka declined to make detailed comments on the issue, saying he preferred not to be misinterpreted.

Efforts to obtain further clarification from the party were unsuccessful as of press time.

The developments come amid growing speculation about widening cracks within the ruling party as it begins early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.