Nigeria's APC grapples with internal divisions over consensus candidates for 2027 elections. While states like Katsina, Borno, and Jigawa embrace consensus for unity, others including Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Yobe, and Benue demand direct primaries amid aspirant pushback. VP Shettima submits Tinubu's forms, backed by party leaders citing reforms. Detailed timelines outline primaries from May 2026, with INEC elections in January/February 2027.
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APC Consensus Arrangements Spark Tensions Across States Ahead of 2027 Elections
APC stakeholders debating consensus in state meetings (Credit: Emın Alper via Pexels)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with growing internal tensions across several states as its consensus arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections face resistance, competing interests, and political realignments.
Varied Approaches Across States
Governor Radda defends consensus in Katsina (Credit: Bl∡ke via Pexels)
In states including Katsina, Borno, and Jigawa, party stakeholders have adopted consensus to reduce intra-party conflict and promote unity. Katsina Governor Dikko Umaru Radda defended the approach after submitting his forms, noting APC's dominance: '361 ward councillors, 34 local governments, 34 members of the State Assembly, 15 members of the National Assembly, as well as three senators , they all belong to APC.'
In Borno, stakeholders unanimously selected Mustapha Gubio as the consensus governorship candidate after Senator Kakashehu Lawan withdrew to promote unity. Senatorial alignments include Ali Ndume for Borno South, Lawan for Central, and Muhammad Monguno for North.
Jigawa APC adopted consensus for senatorial, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly seats to cut costs and minimize disputes. Though no open opposition, social media shows frustration. Aspirant Dr Halima Zakari accepted the outcome on Facebook: 'I accept the results of the consensus process in good faith and reiterate my unwavering loyalty to our great party, the APC.'
However, states like Ondo, Benue, Oyo, Yobe, Ogun, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kwara see pushback, with aspirants demanding transparent, competitive primaries. In Ondo, aspirants have purchased forms across races, preparing for direct primaries. Benue APC Chairman Benjamin Omale confirmed direct primaries per party directives.
Tinubu's Nomination and Party Leadership Support
Shettima submits Tinubu's forms at APC event (Credit: Adedire Abiodun via Pexels)
Vice President Kashim Shettima submitted President Bola Tinubu's expression of interest and nomination forms at the Shettima Hall in Abuja. He urged support across divides: 'I urge all Nigerians, irrespective of differences in political affiliations, religious persuasions... to support this nomination and... the candidacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.'
APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda highlighted continuity of reforms, with NEC and NWC backing Tinubu. 'The governors have seen the positive impact of these reforms. Today, there is more money accruing to states and local governments.' National Secretary Ajibola Bashiru noted direct primaries for the presidency.
Governors, via Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, affirmed full support for Tinubu's re-election.
Primary Timeline and INEC Schedule
Forms sold from April 28 to May 6, screening May 7-12. Primaries: House of Representatives May 15, Senate May 18, State Assembly May 20, Governorship May 21, Presidential May 23. Both consensus and direct primaries approved per Electoral Act 2025.
INEC scheduled Presidential/National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027; Governorship/State Assembly February 6, 2027. Primaries April 23-May 30, 2026. Campaigns start August 19, 2026 for presidential, September 9 for others.
Hotspots of Resistance
Tensions rise in Ogun and Yobe over consensus (Credit: Geancarlo Peruzzolo via Pexels)
In Ogun, Governor Dapo Abiodun pushed consensus, offering refunds and appointments, but senatorial races are tense: Abiodun vs Gbenga Daniel in East; multiple contenders in West. Daniel alleged exclusion from a meeting.
Yobe faces opposition to Baba Wali's endorsement; Senator Ibrahim Bomai rejected it: 'We categorically reject this attempt to subvert due process. We reject the culture of imposition.' Others like Musa Tumsah push primaries.
Oyo governorship aspirants including Sharafadeen Alli, Adebayo Adelabu insist on primaries despite consensus talks. Zamfara mixes approaches; former governor Mahmuda Shinkafi rejects consensus for most seats except governorship.
In Gombe, aspirants like Isa Pantami challenge consensus picks. Kwara and Plateau await decisions, using both options where stakeholders prefer.
States including Katsina, Borno, and Jigawa have adopted consensus to reduce conflict and promote unity.
Forms sold April 28-May 6, screening May 7-12. Primaries: House May 15, Senate May 18, State Assembly May 20, Governorship May 21, Presidential May 23.
States like Ondo, Benue, Oyo, Yobe, Ogun, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kwara see pushback with demands for direct primaries.
Vice President Kashim Shettima submitted President Bola Tinubu's expression of interest and nomination forms at Shettima Hall in Abuja.
Presidential/National Assembly on January 16, 2027; Governorship/State Assembly on February 6, 2027.
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Editorial Team • Question of the Day
"Consensus or direct primaries: Which will stabilize APC ahead of 2027?"
