Political tensions are rising in Bayelsa State as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is reportedly positioning itself to benefit from the internal crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following its primaries. The dispute centers on the Sagbama/Ekeremor federal constituency, where controversies from the APC primary process continue to stir reactions in political circles.
NDC Monitoring APC Crisis
Comrade Felix Osuobene, National Coordinator of the Sagbama/Ekeremor Grassroots Agenda, alleged that opposition figures are exploiting the APC primary controversy. In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Osuobene claimed the crisis has boosted opposition confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the APC's internal disagreements, including screening controversies, disqualifications, and tensions among aspirants, have drawn national attention.
Claims Over Sagbama/Ekeremor Contest
Osuobene specifically referenced the emergence of Hon. Bernard Kenibai as the APC candidate for the Sagbama/Ekeremor federal constituency. He claimed political observers view this development as favorable to the opposition.
“Our sources confirmed that the national leader of NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, was seen celebrating the emergence of Hon. Bernard Kenibai as the APC candidate, viewed in political circles as an easier adversary,” he stated. The controversy also involves Prof. Princewill Woyinbrakemi Igbagara, who was reportedly regarded by stakeholders as a leading contender before his alleged exclusion from the primary process.
Opposition Targeting APC Divisions
Osuobene argued that opposition parties could capitalize on APC's internal disagreements through voter apathy, quiet defections, and political propaganda. “The first is voter apathy. If aggrieved APC stakeholders feel sufficiently marginalized, many may simply refuse to mobilize for the party on election day. The second pathway is silent defection. Nigeria's political history is full of cases where discontented party loyalists remain publicly committed while quietly delivering votes to the opposition,” he explained.
He also claimed that opposition groups could use the crisis to strengthen public perception that the ruling party lacks internal cohesion.
Concerns Over APC's South-South Strategy
According to Osuobene, the situation could pose challenges for the APC in the South-South region, where the party has been working to expand its political influence. He warned that disputes capable of alienating local stakeholders may strengthen opposition narratives ahead of the next election cycle.
“The stakes are particularly high in the South-South, where the APC has historically struggled to build a durable, unified structure,” he said. He further argued that controversies surrounding candidate selection could spark broader conversations about internal democracy within political parties.
Political Tensions Build Ahead of 2027
The latest development comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify across the country. Analysts believe internal disputes within major political parties could significantly shape alliances, voter mobilization, and campaign strategies in the coming months.
