The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Kwara State has been abruptly suspended midway, amid growing controversies over the preferred candidate allegedly backed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and forces within the presidency. The exercise, which commenced earlier in the day across several wards, was halted unexpectedly by party leaders, with officials announcing that the process would resume on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Party sources who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that the suspension was necessitated by internal disagreements over the handling of the primary process and mounting tensions among competing camps. A Legit.ng correspondent monitoring the exercise at Ibagun Ward in Ilorin East Local Government Area observed that accreditation and voting had already begun before party leaders intervened and ordered an immediate stoppage.
Internal Rift Leads to Suspension
A senior APC chieftain in Kwara, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak officially, said the suspension became necessary to avoid further escalation of tensions within the party. "There were serious disagreements among stakeholders over how the process was being handled. Some leaders felt the exercise could deepen the crisis if it continued in that atmosphere," the party source said.
Another APC leader in Ilorin East told Legit.ng that the controversies surrounding the alleged preferred candidate of Governor AbdulRazaq and interests linked to the presidency contributed significantly to the disruption. "The party leadership decided to suspend the exercise to allow consultations and prevent a breakdown of law and order. There are strong interests involved, and everybody is trying to protect their camp," the source added.
Confusion at Polling Venues
A ward official who witnessed the development at Ibagun described the situation as tense shortly before the exercise was stopped. "People had already started voting before party leaders suddenly asked everyone to stop. Many delegates were confused because no detailed explanation was given at the venue," the official told Legit.ng.
The confusion created uncertainty among party members and delegates who had gathered at the venue early in the morning. The APC leadership has yet to issue an official statement explaining the sudden suspension, but multiple party insiders linked the development to internal disagreements over the outcome of the primary process.
Governor's Endorsement Controversy
Recall that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State earlier endorsed Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election. In a statement obtained from the Governor's aide on Tuesday afternoon, May 19, AbdulRazaq said the endorsement followed "extensive consultations with party structures and leadership," adding that Yahaya Seriki possessed the political capacity and grassroots support needed to lead the state.
The governor described Seriki as "young, pro-people, astute, and broad-minded," noting that he had made "profound investments in and extensive goodwill among the people of Kwara State." "I have no doubt about his capacity and that his choice is appropriate for the people of our state at this time," the governor had said.
