The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally submitted the names of its governorship candidates and their running mates for 27 states to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), effectively resolving most of the disputes that arose from its governorship primaries across four key states. The development marks a significant step toward consolidating the party's position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Background of Primaries and Disputes
According to a party official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the submission covers candidates for 27 states, with only one state in the Northeast yet to finalise its deputy governorship candidate. The official said a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja would resolve that matter before the August 8 submission deadline. The source also revealed that about 60 per cent of the APC's House of Assembly candidates have already been uploaded to the INEC portal, indicating the party's progress in meeting electoral requirements.
Kwara State
For Kwara State, the APC has submitted House of Assembly Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu as its governorship candidate. His emergence followed strong backing from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, a move that drew resistance from several quarters within the party. Senators Salihu Mustapha and Oyelola Ashiru, as well as Umar Sadiq Suleiman, were among those who contested the decision. Despite the internal opposition, the party proceeded with Salihu's candidacy, reflecting the influence of the incumbent governor in shaping the party's ticket.
Oyo State
In Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli has been submitted to INEC alongside his running mate, Adesoji Adedeji. The primary result was challenged publicly by former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, who stated he would pursue his grievance through the party's appeal process. Nevertheless, the APC leadership went ahead with Alli's candidacy, signalling a unified front despite the underlying tensions.
Bauchi State
Former Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abubakar secured the APC governorship ticket for Bauchi, though not without serious internal fallout. Senator Shehu Umar Buba left the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following Abubakar's emergence, while the APC deputy chairman in the state, Ibrahim Misau, also quit the party alongside a number of supporters. These defections highlight the deep divisions within the state chapter that the party will need to address ahead of the general election.
Adamawa State
Former PTDF Executive Secretary Ahmed Tijani Galadima has been named as the APC's candidate for Adamawa State. His emergence came amid reported rivalry between Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu over who would secure the party's backing for the nomination. Party leaders appear to have since reconciled after Galadima clinched the ticket, suggesting a temporary truce between the competing factions.
Remaining Issues and Deadline
Political parties have until August 8, 2026, to submit governorship and House of Assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections. The APC's submission of candidates for 27 states brings it closer to meeting INEC's requirements, but the unresolved deputy governorship candidate in one Northeast state remains a pending issue. The party leadership is expected to hold a meeting in Abuja to finalise the pick before the deadline expires.
Impact on 2027 Elections
The resolution of primary disputes in four critical states—Kwara, Oyo, Bauchi, and Adamawa—positions the APC to focus on broader electioneering strategies. However, the defections in Bauchi and the lingering discontent in Oyo and Kwara may pose challenges in mobilising grassroots support. The party will need to manage these internal dynamics to avoid losing votes in tightly contested states. Meanwhile, the submission of House of Assembly candidates for about 60 per cent of constituencies indicates that the APC is making headway in building a full slate of candidates for the 2027 polls.
