In a strategic move to tighten his grip on the party’s internal processes, President Bola Tinubu has mandated Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and Political Adviser Ibrahim Masari to supervise the APC’s National Assembly primaries for the 2027 elections.
The move is seen as an attempt to curb the traditional influence of state governors over legislative tickets. By appointing the duo to “interface” with governors and the National Working Committee (NWC), the President aims to ensure that “internal democracy” prevails in the selection of candidates for both chambers.
While the NWC remains the lawful body for conducting the primaries under the Electoral Act, the Gbajabiamila-Masari team will act as the President’s “eyes and ears,” focusing on monitoring due process and managing regional conflicts.
Sources indicate that despite heavy lobbying from party stalwarts to join the supervisory team, Tinubu has kept the circle small to maintain a focused and credible process. In a related development, Gbajabiamila has debunked claims that he lobbied for his role in the administration, asserting his commitment to the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
