The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing a deepening crisis as governorship aspirants challenge consensus arrangements and the choices of state governors ahead of the party's primaries scheduled for Thursday. The battle for the 2027 governorship ticket has thrust Kwara State into the national spotlight, as it emerged with the highest number of governorship aspirants among 28 states listed by the APC.
Kwara Leads with 16 Aspirants
According to a document obtained from the party, Kwara recorded 16 governorship contenders, the highest figure among the states. A total of 101 governorship aspirants from 28 states purchased nomination forms under the APC platform. The unusually large number of aspirants has sparked intense political debates, particularly over which senatorial district should produce the next governor after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's tenure.
Political stakeholders argue that the APC may be taking a dangerous electoral risk if it ignores the Kwara Central Senatorial District in its succession arrangement. The argument is anchored on electoral arithmetic and the worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara North and Kwara South. Kwara Central, which includes major urban voting centers like Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Asa, accounts for nearly 50 percent of the state's voting strength, making it a decisive battleground.
Oyo and Adamawa Follow
Behind Kwara, Oyo State has 11 governorship aspirants, reflecting the APC's determination to reclaim the state from the opposition. Adamawa State came third with 10 aspirants, followed by Bauchi State with eight, while Nasarawa and Yobe recorded seven each. Several states, including Akwa Ibom, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, and Zamfara, recorded only one aspirant each, suggesting stronger internal consensus or tighter political control.
AbdulRazaq Endorses Seriki Amid Tensions
Amid heightened tensions, Governor AbdulRazaq endorsed businessman Abdulfatai Seriki as his preferred successor. In a statement, AbdulRazaq said the endorsement followed consultations with party leaders and described Seriki as "young, pro-people, astute, and broad-minded." However, he stated that the endorsement does not preclude other aspirants from contesting the primaries. The endorsement comes after 16 APC governorship aspirants boycotted a strategic meeting convened by the governor, suspecting an attempt to impose a candidate.
Uncertainty in Rivers State
In Rivers State, uncertainty surrounds Governor Siminalayi Fubara's camp as the APC holds assembly and governorship primaries. Fubara is among four governorship aspirants screened for the primary, but his loyalists, including Chijoke Ihunwo and Victor Oko-Jumbo, were among 65 aspirants not cleared for the House of Assembly primaries. An appeal panel has heard their complaints, but a party source said it is unlikely they will be approved due to missing documents. The source added that even if Fubara is cleared, he cannot win the primary because he lacks control of the party structure.
Pantami Withdraws from Gombe Race
Fresh crisis has hit the APC in Gombe State as former Minister Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami withdrew from the governorship primaries, alleging violations of the Electoral Act 2026 and manipulation of the electoral process. Pantami accused the party leadership of undermining internal democracy and denying aspirants access to critical information. His withdrawal, coming 48 hours before the primary, is expected to heighten tensions.
Tinubu Faults Governors' Excesses
President Bola Tinubu has expressed discontent over the conduct of legislative primaries, distancing himself from reports of candidate imposition. According to sources, Tinubu told South-West APC leaders that he gave governors the privilege to coordinate party affairs but did not ask anyone to impose candidates indiscriminately. He directed the party's national leadership to take corrective action where free and fair primaries did not take place.
