Crisis Rocks APC as Aspirants Resist Consensus Candidates Ahead of Primaries

Fresh tensions have erupted within the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of its 2027 primaries, with aspirants in several states opposing alleged attempts by governors and party leaders to impose consensus candidates.

The dispute comes as the party prepares to begin primary elections starting with the House of Representatives contests, amid growing fears of internal divisions.

While APC governors have adopted a consensus position backing President Bola Tinubu for a second-term presidential ticket, many governorship and legislative aspirants are demanding direct primaries instead.

The resistance reportedly forced the party’s National Working Committee to distribute election materials for direct voting in states where consensus arrangements have failed.

Reacting to the rising tensions, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda warned party members against violence and anti-party conduct.

“Any aspirant or supporter found instigating violence, sponsoring unrest, engaging in anti-party activities, or attempting to undermine the integrity of the process would face severe disciplinary measures, including immediate suspension from the party,” he warned.

The chairman further urged aspirants to embrace the outcome of the process peacefully.

Meanwhile, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, confirmed that APC governors had agreed on a consensus arrangement for Tinubu’s candidacy.

“We are united and have reached a consensus in supporting Mr President to continue the good work he is doing,” Uzodimma said.

Despite this, resistance to consensus has intensified in several states.

In Rivers State, governorship aspirant Tonye Cole insisted that no consensus arrangement existed in the state.

“So, no consensus,” Cole declared, adding that all aspirants should compete on equal footing.

In Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel reportedly opposed consensus moves in the Ogun East senatorial race, while Gboyega Isiaka is pursuing the governorship ticket despite pressure for a consensus candidate.

Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege said he preferred direct primaries, arguing that Tinubu’s reforms required loyal lawmakers in the National Assembly.

“We need adherent people who believe in those policies to be in the National Assembly to give support to Mr President,” he said.

The controversy has been particularly intense in Nasarawa State, where supporters of former Inspector-General of Police Muhammed Adamu accused Governor Abdullahi Sule of trying to impose Senator Ahmed Wadada.

“This is political manipulation in its crudest form,” Adamu’s campaign organisation alleged.

In Gombe State, former Communications Minister Isa Pantami rejected reports of a consensus arrangement and called for transparent direct primaries.

“This is crucial for the survival of the APC as a party and also for the survival of democracy in Nigeria,” he stated.

Elsewhere, APC members in Zamfara and Kaduna States also rejected consensus arrangements, describing them as tools for political manipulation.

A senior APC source disclosed that the party leadership eventually approved direct primaries in states where aspirants refused consensus arrangements.

“Mindful of this demand, the NWC has directed that everybody should go to the field where aspirants and stakeholders cannot agree,” the source said.

The APC presidential primary is scheduled for May 23, following the conclusion of legislative primaries across the country.

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