The All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with growing internal strife ahead of the 2027 general elections, as disputes over consensus candidacies, allegations of manipulation, and a wave of defections continue to plague the ruling party in multiple states.
Katsina lawmaker criticizes consensus process
A member of the House of Representatives from Katsina State, Abubakar Yahaya Kusada, has expressed concern over recent defections from the APC in the state, warning that they could harm the party's electoral prospects. Kusada, who represents Kankia/Kusada/Ingawa Federal Constituency, spoke in reaction to the defection of his colleague Sani Lawal, who left the APC after failing to secure a consensus ticket for 2027. Another lawmaker, Shehu Tafoki, had earlier defected to the Peoples Democratic Party.
Kusada described the defections as troubling and called on the presidency and party stakeholders to address the grievances of aggrieved members. He noted that the consensus process was biased in favor of certain individuals with connections to the government. "If this goes unchecked, the end result will be disastrous for the party," he warned. Kusada, who remains in the APC, was himself replaced by Mustapha Kanti Bello under the consensus arrangement.
Ogun protesters reject alleged imposition
In Ogun State, APC members in Abeokuta South Local Government Area staged a peaceful protest over the alleged refusal of party leaders to issue them membership cards despite completing registration. They accused leaders of plotting to impose candidates ahead of the 2027 primaries. The protesters carried placards demanding their membership cards and opposing imposition.
APC Publicity Secretary in Ogun State, Nuerudeen Olufemi, denied the allegations, stating that registered members can print their cards online. He attributed the issue to inadequate orientation at the ward level and urged members to contact their ward officials.
Ex-lawmaker warns against sidelining Fubara
Former House of Representatives member Bernard Mikko warned the APC against sidelining Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the 2027 governorship election. He cautioned against repeating the scenario that denied former Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode a second-term ticket in 2019. Mikko said blocking Fubara could push Rivers voters to support an alternative party. He also criticized political godfatherism and urged Fubara to engage more actively with supporters and the media.
Oyo APC signals shift to direct primaries
Oyo State APC Chairman Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo announced that the party would conduct free, fair, and credible direct primaries ahead of 2027. While the party initially explored a consensus arrangement, Adeyemo indicated that direct primaries would be adopted in some cases, including the governorship ticket. He assured that registered members would vote in their wards, with national officials supervising the process.
APC says consensus will not exclude aspirants
Farouk Aliyu, Chairman of the APC National Assembly Screening Committee, clarified that the consensus arrangement does not exclude any aspirant. He explained that direct primaries will be used where consensus cannot be reached, ensuring no one is barred from contesting.
APC chairman warns against violence
National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda urged aspirants to conduct themselves with discipline and sportsmanship ahead of the primaries. He warned that the party would not tolerate violence, anti-party activities, or attempts to disrupt the process, and pledged transparent and credible primaries to strengthen internal democracy.
