APC primaries: Aspirants reject consensus moves in 10 states

Fresh tension has emerged within the APC as governorship aspirants in several states refused to accept consensus arrangements pushed by party leaders and governors ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party leadership had been working to reduce internal battles by encouraging agreements that would produce single candidates in many states, but the plan has faced resistance from politicians determined to remain in the race.

The APC scheduled governorship primaries in 28 states for May 21, while appeals connected to the exercise are expected to take place on May 24. The party also generated billions of naira from the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms purchased by governorship aspirants across the country.

Despite the disagreements in some states, a number of governors already secured support from party structures to run as sole candidates. Among those who gained consensus backing are Governors Sheriff Oborevwori, Abba Yusuf, Peter Mbah, Umar Namadi and Ahmed Aliyu alongside others from APC-controlled states.

The strongest resistance appeared in Kwara State where many aspirants refused to step down after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq endorsed businessman Yahaya Seriki as his preferred successor.

Although some politicians and party groups quickly supported the governor’s decision, several other aspirants insisted that the governorship ticket should be decided through a direct contest during the primaries.

Kwara recorded one of the highest numbers of APC governorship aspirants in the country. Among those in the race are former Senate Leader Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Muhammed Belgore, Salihu Mustapha, Yetunde Bello and Prof. Olawale Sulaiman.

Oyo and Adamawa states also witnessed strong competition as many aspirants continued their campaigns ahead of the primaries. In Oyo, notable contenders include former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and Senator Sharafadeen Alli. Adamawa also produced a crowded field with several aspirants refusing to withdraw from the contest.

In Plateau State, retired military officer Yilcini Bida dismissed reports that he had stepped down for Governor Caleb Mutfwang. He maintained that he remained fully in the race and planned to challenge the governor during the primary election.

Political negotiations also continued in Lagos State where some aspirants moved to support Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat. One of the governorship aspirants, Samuel Ajose, withdrew from the contest and backed Hamzat after consultations within the party. Former PDP governorship candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, had earlier taken the same step.

However, businessman Lanre Jim-Kamal reportedly remained in the race despite pressure from party leaders and supporters of consensus arrangements.

Party insiders said the disagreements in many states were connected to zoning debates, succession battles and dissatisfaction among aspirants who believed they had invested heavily in the race.

Sources within the APC national secretariat also admitted that while consensus arrangements may reduce conflicts, many politicians were unwilling to abandon their ambitions without participating in the primaries.