Countdown to Primaries Unsettles Parties, Triggers Defections and Internal Disputes
With barely three days remaining until the start of party primaries, Nigeria's pre-election political landscape is under significant strain. Last-minute negotiations are collapsing, alliances are dissolving, and opposition parties are struggling to hold their structures together ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled primaries to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026, intensifying the political maneuvering across the nation.
Bauchi Governor Considers NDC Move After APC Talks Fail
In Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed is weighing the possibility of leading his supporters to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the collapse of last-minute discussions with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Mohammed, who also chairs the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors' Forum, had set aside the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to its leadership crisis and the defection of retired Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, the 2023 APC governorship candidate in Bauchi, to the ADC. Abubakar joined the ADC on July 2, 2025, citing internal challenges within the APC that affected his earlier bid.
Mohammed's plan to join the APC stalled two days ago after influential party figures in Abuja and Bauchi opposed a proposed 60-40 sharing formula for elective and appointive positions between new entrants and existing members. Following the breakdown, Mohammed began reaching out to former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, leader of the NDC, for potential collaboration. An aide to Dickson, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the Bauchi governor initiated contact shortly after ending talks with APC leaders, seeking a platform where his supporters would be fully accommodated.
Samaila Burga, an ally of Mohammed, explained that talks with the APC ended because the party was unwilling to concede leadership of its structure in the state, despite the governor's political base across wards, local councils, and the state. The APC declined to extend the customary arrangement that allows an incumbent governor joining the party to take its lead in the state.
ADC Crisis Deepens as Binani Faction Signals Exit
Simultaneously, in Adamawa State, a faction of the ADC led by Senator Aisha Dahiru Ahmed, known as Binani, has indicated readiness to leave the party over internal disputes. Ahmed told journalists in Yola that the party's state congresses were conducted without adequate consultation, and her supporters were excluded despite an earlier agreement among stakeholders. She alleged that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, worked with some national officers to sideline her camp and install Sadiq Dasin as state chairman, contrary to a prior sharing arrangement reached at a meeting in Abuja hosted by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Ahmed urged her supporters to remain calm, stating that the matter had been escalated to the party's national leadership. She added that if no resolution is reached within one week, she would consult widely and announce the group's next steps. Senator Ahmed Barata noted that the ADC gained prominence in Adamawa after Binani joined the party, and sidelining her faction amounts to political ingratitude. The Guardian learned that the Binani camp has opened exploratory discussions with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on potential alignment while awaiting possible resolution.
Labour Party Disowns Viral Posts Inviting Obi and Kwankwaso
Against this backdrop, the Labour Party has distanced itself from viral social media posts inviting its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to return to the party, describing the messages as unauthorized. The reaction follows a series of posts on X from an account bearing the party's name, emblem, and logo, which urged both politicians to leave the ADC amid ongoing uncertainty.
Ken Asogwa, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Interim National Chairman Nenadi Usman, clarified in a statement that the posts did not originate from the national secretariat. He advised the public to disregard any information from fraudulent accounts, noting that the party's official accounts have remained inactive since the internal crisis that led to the removal of former National Chairman Julius Abure. Asogwa added that the party has petitioned the police to facilitate the recovery of its official X account from former party officials, with investigations ongoing.
NNPP Elects New Chair and Raises Concerns Over Democratic Climate
The New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) reported a leadership change, electing Kaduna-based politician Bala Mohammed as its new national chairman following the resignation of Ajuji Ahmed, who had served as acting national chairman since March 2024 and recently joined the ADC. National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson described Mohammed as an astute administrator who brings experience and commitment to the party's grassroots ideology.
The party expressed concern about the political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing economic challenges, inflation, and insecurity. Johnson stated, "We are witnessing a coordinated assault on the foundations of our democracy," identifying internal party disputes, legal challenges, and broader concerns about democratic processes as areas requiring attention. The NNPP emphasized that Mohammed's emergence comes at a critical period to strengthen party structures and guide preparations for the next elections.
Group Urges Council of State to Intervene in Democratic Strain
Amid the ongoing political drama, the civil society organisation Alliance for Democratic Rights (ADR) has urged members of the Council of State to advise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold democratic principles, drawing lessons from past leaders. In a statement, ADR's National President Andy O. Chucks and National Secretary Mallam Suleiman Funtua called on the Council to apply their experience in guiding the administration and strengthening democratic institutions.
The group expressed concern over alleged presidential involvement in the internal affairs of opposition parties, warning that such developments could affect Nigeria's multiparty system. ADR cautioned that meddling in party matters and judicial involvement could weaken democratic norms and heighten political tension, urging the Council to take steps to support democratic institutions before it is too late.
APC Defends Tinubu's Record and Faults Opposition Narratives
The APC has rejected claims by opposition figures seeking to discredit President Bola Tinubu's performance, stating that the administration's record reflects its efforts. In a statement, Senior Special Assistant on Media Yusuf Dingyadi accused critics of circulating misinformation on social media, prioritizing selfish interests over national progress.
Dingyadi highlighted progress in security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, and healthcare, urging Nigerians to recognize the administration's efforts to stabilize the economy. He raised concerns about divisive political discourse and reaffirmed the party's commitment to policies aimed at improving citizens' welfare, emphasizing a focus on development despite distractions.
APGA Rolls Out Primary Timetable and Fixes May 23 for Contests
Elsewhere, the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has released the provisional timetable and schedule of activities for its primary elections ahead of the 2027 general election. National Publicity Secretary Dr. Ejimofor Opara outlined that the sale and return of expression of interest forms will occur from April 20 to May 8, with screening for aspirants scheduled in mid-May.
Fees for expression of interest forms include N25 million for President, N10 million for Governor, N6 million for Senate, N4 million for House of Representatives, and N2 million for House of Assembly. All primary elections are set for May 23, 2026, using the Option A4 method, with appeals to be concluded by May 28, 2026, aligning with INEC's revised schedule and the Electoral Act 2026.
