The bid by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to select its 2027 general election candidates through a consensus arrangement is facing stiff resistance, triggering internal crises across several state chapters.
Investigations by *Weekend Trust* reveal that the process has plunged the party into turmoil as several governors allegedly leverage the “consensus” provision to sideline rivals and endorse handpicked successors.
The Legal and Logistical Tug-of-War
The Electoral Act 2026 provides for two primary methods: consensus or direct primaries. By eliminating the indirect primary option—previously the third choice—the law has narrowed the field.
While the APC national leadership prefers the consensus model to avoid the logistical nightmare and costs associated with direct primaries, the party’s guidelines state that if a local chapter fails to reach an agreement, a direct primary must be held.
Despite this, some outgoing governors have moved to “seal” their endorsements by presenting preferred candidates to the President, often publicizing these meetings to project an image of an “anointed” succession.
“Some aspirants succumb to these gimmicks and withdraw, fearing they will be seen as challenging the party leadership,” a high-ranking source within the party told *Weekend Trust*.
The Succession List and Senate Ambitions
So far, at least six governors have announced their preferred successors: Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara).
The crisis is further complicated by the senatorial ambitions of outgoing governors. Governors Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) are all reportedly eyeing Senate seats, often putting them at loggerheads with incumbent lawmakers.
Kano: The Ganduje-Yusuf Alliance and the Legislative Scramble
In Kano, the political landscape shifted following the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the APC. While the governor appears to have no challenger for the 2027 ticket—with former National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje presenting him the nomination forms—the real battle lies in the National and State Assembly slots.
Stakeholders have ruled out automatic tickets for incumbents. This has set the stage for a high-stakes clash in Kano North between Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and former Minister Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo.
Nasarawa: The Al-Makura/Sule Rift
Governor Abdullahi Sule’s endorsement of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his preferred successor has met fierce resistance. Former Governor Tanko Al-Makura has publicly contested the move, claiming he was not consulted. Consequently, an alternative power bloc is forming around former IGP Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, threatening to fracture the state chapter.
Yobe: Aspirants Reject ‘Elite Arrangements’
A major revolt is brewing in Yobe after the “APC Critical Stakeholders Forum” endorsed former SSG Baba Malam Wali. Three major contenders—Senator Ibrahim Bomai, Kashim Musa Tumsah, and former IGP Usman Alkali Baba—have flatly rejected the move. Senator Bomai described the endorsement as an “affront to democratic principles” and a “subversion of due process.”
Ogun: A Battle of Titans
Ogun State is witnessing a three-way collision between incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun and former governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun. Both Daniel and Amosun are seeking Senate returns, while Abiodun is reportedly interested in the same Ogun East seat currently held by Daniel. Allegations of “persecution” and “predetermined results” have turned the Ogun APC into a powder keg.
Kwara: Mustapha vs. AbdulRazaq
In Kwara, Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) is locked in a battle with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Rumors that the Governor intends to swap the Government House for Mustapha’s Senate seat have created a dilemma for the party, though Mustapha’s camp maintains they are ready for any primary format.
Historical Precedent: The Failure of Consensus
History suggests that consensus rarely sticks in Nigeria’s fourth republic. In 2003, Olusegun Obasanjo had to face a primary despite being a sitting president. More recently, in 2023, the APC leadership’s attempt to name Ahmed Lawan as the “consensus candidate” failed spectacularly when other aspirants forced a primary that produced Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Expert Warnings: ‘Playing with Fire
Analysts warn that the current trajectory could be disastrous for the APC. Prof. Hassan Saliu, President of the Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA), warned that empowering governors to “hoard” forms and dictate outcomes would lead to mass defections.
“The primaries will be chaotic,” Prof. Saliu said. “The governors may choose inexperienced loyalists over tested lawmakers, leading to a high turnover in the National Assembly and potentially handing an advantage to the opposition.”
Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali added that the influx of defectors into the APC has “imported new rivalries,” noting that “the polite language of unity will soon give way to the hard arithmetic of political survival.”
APC Leadership Sues for Calm
Responding to the brewing storm, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, insisted the party remains inclusive.
“Inclusion is key,” Yilwatda stated. “Where consensus is reached, all aspirants must sign personally. If agreement cannot be reached, we will go for a fair direct primary. The number of people rushing to buy our forms shows the APC is the most acceptable party in Nigeria.”
Culled from Daily Trust
