A major internal crisis has engulfed the ruling All Progressives Congress following the conduct of senatorial primaries across several states, with the party’s National Working Committee and the Presidential Villa reportedly at odds with governors accused of defying perceived presidential preferences.
What was expected to be a coordinated and orderly exercise has instead descended into controversy, violence, petitions, and allegations of manipulation, exposing widening cracks within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party insiders disclosed that tensions escalated after results emerging from key states failed to reflect candidates believed to enjoy the backing of the Presidency. In response, the APC leadership is said to be weighing the possibility of invoking its constitutional powers to review, nullify, or alter some outcomes.
At the centre of the dispute are several politically sensitive contests where state governors allegedly overrode signals from Abuja and imposed their preferred candidates through local party structures.
Key Battlegrounds
In Edo State, sources within the party claimed that First Lady Oluremi Tinubu was favourably disposed to the senatorial ambition of Osagie Ize-Iyamu, but rival declarations from the state structure appeared to undermine that position.
In Delta Central, President Bola Tinubu was believed to favour former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, although state power blocs reportedly moved against that preference.
A similar scenario played out in Bayelsa, where former senator and media entrepreneur Ben Murray-Bruce was widely seen as having the backing of the Presidential Villa before state actors allegedly charted a different course.
The Ondo Central primary also descended into chaos, with reports of gunshots, violence, and allegations of manipulation. Aggrieved aspirants petitioned the party leadership, describing the process as a “kangaroo exercise” allegedly controlled by forces loyal to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The controversy followed the earlier rejection by the NWC of a consensus list reportedly submitted by the governor.
In Ogun State, Deputy Chief Whip Isiaka Ibrahim accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of orchestrating what he described as a “shameful affirmation process” rather than a transparent primary election.
Allegations Spread Across States
The unrest extended to other states including Kogi, Kwara, and Taraba.
In Kogi East, Senator Jibrin Isah rejected the outcome of the exercise, accusing allies of Governor Ahmed Ododo of hijacking election materials and intimidating supporters.
In Kwara Central, confusion erupted after a controversial list of cleared aspirants surfaced on the morning of the primary, triggering outrage among party stakeholders and culminating in a disputed affirmation process.
Meanwhile, in Taraba North, youth groups and local stakeholders protested the endorsement of incumbent Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau by a screening committee.
Party sources further identified Nasarawa, Plateau, and Rivers states as additional flashpoints where disagreements between the national leadership and governors remain unresolved.
Abuja Moves to Tighten Control
Amid the growing tension, the APC National Secretariat has reportedly commenced a quiet review of results from across the country.
In what observers view as a strategic move to create grounds for possible intervention, the party issued a disclaimer distancing itself from results circulating in the media. The statement, signed by Chief of Staff to the National Chairman, Albukalreem Bala Kwali, declared all unofficially released results invalid.
The NWC subsequently directed that no result should be recognised until formally reviewed and authenticated in Abuja.
National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Argungu had earlier warned primary election committees against announcing results outside the federal capital, a directive now seen as providing the legal and procedural basis for possible reversals.
Power Struggle Ahead of 2027
The unfolding crisis has exposed deep divisions within the APC between the influence of the Presidency and the growing assertiveness of governors who control state party machinery.
Political observers say the outcome of the disputes could redefine internal power relations within the ruling party and shape the balance of influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Analysts believe the manner in which the party leadership resolves the crisis will determine whether President Tinubu consolidates stronger control over the APC structure or whether governors emerge as increasingly autonomous political power centres.
