Widespread petitions, protests, legal threats and accusations of imposition have emerged across several states as the screening of aspirants by the ruling All Progressives Congress intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections, exposing growing internal divisions over consensus arrangements and candidate disqualifications.
The screening process, designed to reduce the number of aspirants ahead of party primaries, has triggered controversy in multiple states including Taraba, Kano, Jigawa, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Rivers and Plateau. Many affected aspirants are reportedly preparing petitions and possible legal action over alleged irregularities and unfair exclusions.
In several areas, protests have already broken out, while party stakeholders warn that forced consensus candidates could lead to defections, anti-party activities and deeper fractures within state chapters.
In Taraba State, endorsement of certain incumbent lawmakers after screening sparked backlash, especially in Taraba North Senatorial District where youth groups and stakeholders rejected the backing of Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, describing his performance as poor and unimpactful. Critics insist his tenure has not delivered meaningful development and should not be rewarded with another term.
Across other states, similar grievances are emerging. In Kano, dozens of aspirants were screened out despite earlier consensus agreements, prompting internal protests and accusations of political manipulation. Although some candidates stepped down in favour of former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau after reconciliation efforts, dissenting groups argue that loyalty and fairness were ignored in the process.
In Jigawa, dissatisfaction escalated into resignation and defection after a former House of Assembly Speaker left the party following disqualification, citing a departure from founding principles. Other affected politicians have also exited or expressed frustration, raising fears of further instability.
Benue State also recorded mass disqualifications of House of Assembly aspirants, with supporters alleging zoning violations and exclusion of certain political blocs, warning that such decisions could hurt the party’s electoral chances.
In Kogi, allegations of selective distribution of nomination forms and authoritarian control of the process have triggered protests, with critics claiming that only preferred aspirants were allowed to participate.
In Anambra, about 30 members were expelled for taking legal action against the party, with leadership insisting that court cases must be withdrawn before reconciliation can be considered.
Kaduna State witnessed controversy over attempts to impose consensus candidates for National Assembly positions, particularly in Kaduna Central Senatorial District, where several stakeholders rejected the arrangement and demanded a fair contest.
In Ebonyi, dissatisfaction over consensus decisions also led to resignations from the party by aspirants who felt sidelined during the screening process.
In Rivers State, dozens of aspirants were disqualified by the screening appeal committee, with petitions already being reviewed as part of ongoing hearings aimed at addressing grievances. Officials noted that while the process has been largely peaceful, many complaints relate to lack of communication and transparency in screening outcomes.
Plateau State is also bracing for tensions as aspirants await the official release of screening results, with some already alleging verbal disqualification without formal notice.
Meanwhile, in states like Imo, Gombe, Abia and Zamfara, screening processes are still ongoing, with party officials insisting that final lists will determine the next phase of primaries. In some cases, reconciliation efforts are underway to prevent defections and maintain unity.
Analysts warn that the growing reliance on consensus arrangements, coupled with disputed screening outcomes, highlights ongoing struggles within the party over internal democracy and control ahead of the 2027 elections in Nigeria.
