The All Progressives Congress, APC, is facing growing internal tension ahead of the 2027 elections as petitions and disputes continue to delay the release of its screening report for aspirants seeking elective positions across the country.
Party sources confirmed that governors including Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, and former Oyo State Secretary to the Government, Sarafadeen Alli, were among aspirants cleared for the primaries.
According to party insiders, the APC screened about 2,980 aspirants contesting for various positions including the presidency, governorships, Senate, House of Representatives, and state assemblies. However, the release of the final screening report has reportedly been slowed by numerous petitions submitted against some aspirants.
A senior party source disclosed that some screening panels received several petitions that must be carefully reviewed before the final list is made public. The source also dismissed reports claiming Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara had been disqualified, insisting that no governor was removed from the process.
The APC leadership is reportedly pushing for consensus arrangements in several states to avoid internal crises and possible legal battles. However, where consensus fails, the party plans to conduct direct primaries in line with the Electoral Act.
In Oyo State, tension has continued to rise among governorship aspirants who rejected any attempt to impose a candidate ahead of the primaries. The aspirants insisted that any consensus arrangement must follow a transparent and democratic process.
The aspirants reaffirmed their loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership but warned against the use of money and political influence to manipulate the selection process.
Meanwhile, political disagreement has also intensified in Ogun State between Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Gbenga Daniel over the Ogun East senatorial ticket. The Ogun State Government accused Daniel of ing the same consensus process that allegedly helped him secure his Senate seat in 2023.
Daniel’s camp rejected the claim, insisting he won the primary election through a delegate voting process and not through consensus.
In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has agreed to conduct direct primaries following pressure from the APC National Working Committee. Security agencies have already begun show of force operations across the state ahead of the exercise to prevent violence and maintain order.
The developments reflect increasing political competition and internal negotiations within the APC as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum nationwide.
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