A wave of internal tensions has hit the All Progressives Congress (APC) across several states as the party begins its primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, triggering disputes, protests, and rushed reconciliation moves aimed at preserving unity within the ruling party.
Originally slated to begin on Friday with House of Representatives aspirants, the primaries were pushed to Saturday following a late-night adjustment by party officials.
The growing unrest has been fueled by accusations of imposition of candidates, collapsed consensus talks, and widespread disagreements among stakeholders in multiple states, prompting urgent interventions from party leaders.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to aspirants and party members to conduct themselves peacefully during the exercise, warning that internal conflict could weaken the party and benefit the opposition.
In a statement released ahead of the primaries, Tinubu described the exercise as a test of the APC’s unity and resilience as it enters another election cycle.
He urged winners not to celebrate arrogantly and losers to accept outcomes in good faith, stressing that politics should not be treated as a “do-or-die” affair.
The president also emphasized the importance of consensus-building where possible, saying it could reduce friction and strengthen party cohesion.
Where consensus fails, he called for disciplined participation in open primaries, directing governors and party leaders to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all aspirants.
Tinubu further urged inclusion of women and young people in the process, while instructing security agencies to remain neutral and strictly maintain order.
Despite these appeals, consensus arrangements have collapsed in several states including Kano, Taraba, Kaduna, Oyo, Yobe, Abia, and Kwara, leading to preparations for direct primaries in many constituencies.
In Abia State, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu dismissed claims of automatic tickets, insisting that all candidates must emerge through transparent processes, while former governor Orji Uzor Kalu stressed that the state APC is united behind President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In Kano, consultations are still ongoing as party leaders attempt to finalize agreements across federal constituencies, though resistance persists in some areas such as Kumbotso.
Taraba State witnessed a major breakdown in consensus efforts, forcing the party to prepare for direct primaries after aspirants refused to withdraw in several constituencies.
In Yobe, Governor Mai Mala Buni has returned to lead reconciliation talks following disagreements over alleged endorsements, while in Kaduna, a high-level committee has been set up to resolve internal grievances.
Kwara State remains uncertain as the party awaits directives from national leadership, with both consensus and direct primaries still under consideration amid strong competition for tickets.
In Oyo State, protests erupted at the APC secretariat over alleged imposition of candidates, with reports of violence and property damage during the unrest.
Edo State also faced challenges in reaching consensus across several constituencies, with multiple aspirants resisting withdrawal agreements, while some preferred candidates have already been endorsed by party leaders.
In contrast, Sokoto and Borno States recorded smoother processes, with consensus arrangements largely accepted.
In Borno, former commissioner Mustapha Gubio emerged as the consensus governorship candidate following broad consultations, while Governor Babagana Zulum assured that no candidate would be imposed on any constituency.
The APC primaries are expected to run through to the presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026, under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which allows both direct primaries and consensus arrangements.
Party leaders continue efforts to prevent further breakdown of negotiations as internal democracy tests the unity of the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
