Fresh cracks have emerged within the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, as governorship aspirants across several states kick against what they describe as attempts to impose preferred candidates under the guise of consensus.
The development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission prepares political parties for primaries scheduled between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
Investigations indicate that the ruling party is increasingly adopting consensus arrangements in selecting candidates, a move that has triggered protests, quiet resistance and fears of defections in key states.
Growing resistance
In Nasarawa State, divisions have deepened following Governor Abdullahi Sule’s endorsement of Senator Ahmed Wadada as his preferred successor. Several aspirants rejected the move, insisting that the ticket should be decided through a transparent primary.
An ally of a former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, warned that imposing a candidate could cost the party victory, declaring that “Nasarawa is not for sale” and must not be “inherited.”
Though the state leadership insists the endorsement reflects consultations and not imposition, none of the major aspirants has agreed to step down.
In Lagos, consultations by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat with members of the influential Governance Advisory Council have fuelled speculation of a looming consensus arrangement, even as former governor Akinwunmi Ambode intensifies consultations, setting the stage for a potential clash.
A senior party source, however, dismissed claims of any endorsement, maintaining that the race remains open.
In Ogun State, discontent is also brewing despite the adoption of Senator Solomon Adeola as consensus candidate.
While some aspirants publicly backed the decision, insiders said dissenting voices were suppressed during what was described as a “scripted” process.
The controversy has been compounded by alleged agreements granting automatic tickets to governors who recently defected to the APC, including those in Kano, Delta, Plateau and Akwa Ibom states.
The arrangement has angered long-standing party members who had nursed governorship ambitions, with some threatening to defect or challenge the decisions.
In Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has effectively secured the party’s ticket unopposed, after key stakeholders stepped down in his favour.
However, in Plateau, some aggrieved members have already dumped the party, vowing to contest from other platforms.
While tensions rise in some states, others are navigating fragile compromises.
In Gombe, 11 aspirants agreed to a consensus arrangement and pledged loyalty to whoever emerges, though the governor has yet to openly back any candidate.
In Oyo, the absence of a sitting APC governor has intensified rivalry among aspirants, despite rumours of a preferred candidate—claims the party leadership has denied.
In Kwara, endorsements and political realignments have fuelled speculation about possible anointed candidates, even as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq insists he has not endorsed anyone.
Political analysts have cautioned that the growing reliance on consensus—especially where it appears forced—could backfire on the ruling party.
A political analyst, Mutiu Olowolagba, warned that mishandling the process could drive aggrieved aspirants to opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress.
Another analyst, Abubakar Kari, described the trend as a “veil for imposition,” arguing that it undermines internal democracy and excludes popular contenders.
“Consensus driven by coercion does not reflect democratic choice. It only deepens resentment within the party,” he said.
Similarly, Jide Ojo noted that the process is often structured to favour predetermined candidates, with weaker aspirants positioned to step down at the last minute.
Despite the mounting criticism, APC leaders have insisted that consensus remains a legitimate method recognised by law, provided all aspirants agree to it.
The party’s national leadership has also dismissed claims of imposition, stressing that due process will be followed to avoid legal disputes.
However, with growing dissatisfaction across state chapters, observers say the APC faces a delicate balancing act to prevent internal crises from undermining its chances in the 2027 elections.
Source : Daily Trust
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