APC Primaries Under Fire: Governors Accused of Imposing Candidates Across Multiple States

Across several states, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with internal unease that reflects deeper nationwide concerns about the integrity of party primaries. Many argue that state governors are setting the APC up for defeat by manipulating the process, as examined by Iyobosa Uwugiaren.

Mounting Complaints and Allegations of Imposition

Day after day, complaints are casting a shadow over APC primaries, with party members alleging governors are imposing preferred candidates and sidelining grassroots choices. In Edo South, resistance to pushes by powerful figures,including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike,has exposed deep cracks, raising concerns about internal democracy in Nigeria.

In Benin City, party loyalists in ward meetings, private homes, and roadside gatherings repeatedly say the primaries' outcome has already been decided. Influential actors are perceived as installing preferred candidates in Edo South, triggering resistance from supporters of Osagie Ize-Iyamu, seen as the more popular option. Governor Monday Okpebholo is alleged to have threatened to sack appointees supporting Ize-Iyamu.

Whether true or exaggerated, these allegations are fueling internal unease in Edo and beyond, with many arguing the governor's conduct is preparing the APC for defeat.

Pattern Across States: Nasarawa, Gombe, Lagos, and Rivers

This is not isolated to Edo. In Nasarawa, aspirants complain of attempts to control delegate lists for preferred candidates. In Gombe, party ranks murmur about state leadership dominance. Lagos, an APC stronghold, faces criticism that structured control limits competition when influential preferences are signaled. In Rivers, tensions are complicated by figures like Wike.

These instances point to a narrowing space for competitive primaries, with governors accused of preparing the party for significant defeats. Similar internal party tensions have been noted in other Nigerian contexts, such as church leadership scandals and economic leadership dynamics.

Eroding Legitimacy and Grassroots Disengagement

At the core is legitimacy: primaries test candidate acceptability, allowing engagement with members. Compromised processes question the eventual candidate's legitimacy. In Edo, confidence is eroding, with members disengaging or defecting to parties like the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), potentially affecting the 2027 general election and 2028 Edo governorship.

This spills into the public, weakening grassroots structures,ward leaders, youth mobilizers, and coordinators,that underpin campaigns. In affected states, enthusiasm is declining: meetings see reduced attendance, volunteers withhold efforts. In Edo South, accounting for about 60% of the voting population, this detachment threatens APC's campaign strength.

Factionalism, Litigation, and Governor Influence

The fear of imposition leads to factionalization: aggrieved aspirants defect or withhold support. Nigerian history since 1999 shows parties weakened by divisions. In Gombe, Nasarawa, Rivers, and even cohesive Lagos, splits loom; Edo risks a full crisis.

Governors wield influence through resources and loyalty, which can ensure cohesion but also stifle competition when used to play kingmaker. Disputed primaries invite litigation, delaying confirmations, disrupting campaigns, and risking lost opportunities. According to reports from Premium Times, Vanguard, and Punch Newspapers, such patterns recur in Nigerian politics.

Broader Implications for Democracy and Opposition Gains

Perceptions of predetermined processes erode public trust and voter turnout, already low in Nigeria. Opposition parties can exploit APC divisions, positioning as more inclusive. In competitive states like Rivers and Edo, this could alter dynamics.

For the APC, the challenge is to manage disputes and ensure credible primaries. For Nigeria, it tests democratic processes: transparency, fairness, and inclusion are essential at every stage.