APC consensus push sparks resistance, divisions ahead of 2027 primaries

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing growing internal tension across several states as efforts to adopt consensus candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to trigger resistance from aspirants and party stakeholders.

 

While states such as Katsina, Borno and Jigawa have largely embraced consensus arrangements to avoid internal crises and maintain party unity, other states including Ondo, Benue, Oyo, Yobe, Ogun, Sokoto and Kwara are witnessing strong opposition from aspirants demanding direct primaries and a more transparent process.

 

The disagreements come as Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday submitted President Bola Tinubu’s completed expression of interest and nomination forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, urging Nigerians to support the President’s re-election bid.

 

APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party’s National Executive Committee and National Working Committee had already endorsed Tinubu, describing the move as a continuation of ongoing reforms.

 

The party has approved both consensus and direct primaries for the 2027 elections, with screening of aspirants scheduled between May 7 and May 12.

 

In Katsina, Governor Dikko Radda defended the adoption of consensus, saying stakeholders agreed on the arrangement to preserve party cohesion and peace.

 

Similarly, Borno APC stakeholders reportedly settled for former Works Commissioner, Mustapha Gubio, as consensus governorship candidate after Senator Kakashehu Lawan stepped down in the interest of unity.

 

However, resistance is growing in several states.

 

In Yobe, Senator Ibrahim Bomai and other governorship aspirants rejected the endorsement of former SSG Baba Wali as consensus candidate, insisting on direct primaries.

 

Ogun State is also witnessing tension over senatorial tickets, especially in Ogun East where Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Gbenga Daniel are locked in a political battle over the consensus arrangement.

 

In Oyo, multiple governorship aspirants are reportedly insisting on direct primaries despite efforts by party leaders to push for consensus.

 

Similarly, in Benue, the APC leadership said the state would adopt direct primaries, while aspirants in Kano, Gombe and Sokoto have also rejected alleged imposition of candidates.

 

Party officials in several states, however, insist consultations are ongoing and that consensus would only be adopted where aspirants agree.

 

The APC presidential primary is scheduled for May 23, while the 2027 presidential election will hold on January 16, 2027, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).