The post-primary crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress has exposed growing cracks within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite its dominance across the country.
According to GUARDIAN, although the APC currently controls 31 states and enjoys a strong majority in the National Assembly, controversies surrounding its primaries have triggered complaints of imposition, manipulation and lack of internal democracy in several states.
Party leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, have repeatedly assured members that the party remains committed to fairness, reconciliation and internal conflict resolution.
After meeting Tinubu in Lagos, Yilwatda admitted that disappointments were inevitable after competitive contests but said the party had established mechanisms to resolve disputes and maintain unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite these assurances, many aspirants and party members accused influential politicians and governors of hijacking the primaries through consensus arrangements, manipulated screening exercises and imposed candidacies.
Complaints of exclusion, altered membership lists and last-minute substitutions reportedly surfaced in states including Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, Kano, Kaduna, Delta, Imo and Ondo.
Several aspirants were also said to have withdrawn from the race due to pressure from governors and party leaders who pushed for consensus candidates to avoid internal divisions.
Others allegedly stepped down after being promised future appointments, political support or financial compensation, while some feared disqualification during screening processes believed to favour preferred candidates.
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