Fresh Crisis, Fierce Lobbying Erupt in APC as Party Begins 2027 Primaries

Fresh cracks have emerged within the ruling All Progressives Congress as the party begins its nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, with intense lobbying, protests and behind-the-scenes negotiations already unsettling several state chapters.

The primaries officially commenced on Friday with contests for the House of Representatives tickets, but the process has already exposed deep divisions among aspirants and party leaders battling for influence ahead of the crucial elections.

In many states, consensus talks reportedly collapsed late Thursday after rival camps rejected attempts by party leaders to settle candidates through internal arrangements. The development has heightened fears within the party that unresolved disputes could trigger defections and weaken the APC’s structure before the general election season fully begins.

The growing tension has forced loyalists of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify reconciliation meetings in a bid to prevent further breakdown of unity across the party.

Party stakeholders are particularly worried about allegations of candidate imposition and claims that some influential figures are attempting to manipulate the primary process in favour of preferred aspirants.

Against the backdrop of the unrest, Tinubu appealed to party members to embrace peace and fairness during the exercise.

In a personally signed statement released on Thursday night, the President described the primaries as more than just a process for selecting candidates, saying the exercise would test the APC’s unity and political strength ahead of another election cycle.

“In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser. I urge the winners not to gloat in victory and the losers to show sportsmanship by taking things in their stride and preparing for another time,” Tinubu stated.

“The ultimate winners are those who don’t choose to wreck the boat but rather work to prepare for another round. Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them.”

The President also warned party members against returning to what he described as hostile political practices.

“We should not play the politics of old, the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us. Politics should never be a zero-sum game. Any candidate that wins does so for all of us as a party,” he said.

Tinubu backed the use of consensus arrangements where possible, noting that the method could reduce tension and bitterness among party faithful.

“I am aware that, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and our party’s constitution, leaders at various levels have initiated conversations to produce consensus candidates.

“It is a commendable option that would help in reducing rancour and bad blood among party members,” the President added.

He, however, maintained that where consensus fails, aspirants and party leaders must ensure the primaries remain peaceful and transparent.

“I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters,” he appealed.

Tinubu further directed governors and party leaders across the federation to provide a level playing field for all aspirants seeking tickets under the APC platform.

“You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field that guarantees participation without let or hindrance,” he stated.

“While only one person will win for every seat contested, we should give eventual losers the satisfaction of a fair contest.”

The President also urged victorious aspirants to reconcile with those who lose during the process, while advising aggrieved members to approach the party’s internal appeal committees instead of destabilising the APC.

He additionally called for greater inclusion of women and young politicians during the exercise.

“I appeal to voters in the primaries and leaders at all levels to give special consideration to our women and youth in the contest. We cannot afford to relegate the two significant demographics of our population,” Tinubu said.

The President also issued directives to security agencies deployed for the exercise, warning against interference in the party’s internal process.

“The police and other security agencies must remain professional and avoid acting as interlopers during this exercise. Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” he added.

The APC primaries are expected to continue over the coming days, culminating in the presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026.

The exercise is being conducted under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which shortened the statutory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days.