2027: APC Governors Move to Unseat Lawmakers Over Electoral Act Amendment

Tension is rising within the ruling All Progressives Congress as several governors prepare to challenge federal lawmakers from their states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The disagreement follows recent amendments to the Electoral Act and what governors see as acts of disloyalty by some senators and House of Representatives members.

Party insiders say the situation has deepened into a quiet power struggle over control of tickets and influence in the next National Assembly.

The crisis became more visible after President Bola Tinubu expressed his desire for most APC lawmakers to return to the National Assembly in 2027.

He made the remarks during an interfaith breaking of fast with House members led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas at the Presidential Villa.

Tinubu praised the lawmakers for unity and leadership and encouraged continuity in parliament. He said:
“I will do everything within our party’s power. In several constituencies, there are rotational arrangements. I wish that everyone would return.”

Abbas, in his remarks, thanked the president for hosting the lawmakers and stressed that frequent changes in the National Assembly weaken legislative experience. He warned that losing up to 80 percent of members after every election disrupts stability and slows governance.

However, governors under the banner of the Progressive Governors Forum are unhappy with the president’s position.

A senior party source said many governors felt blindsided by the public declaration and are planning an urgent meeting with Tinubu before his reported trip to the United Kingdom.

According to insiders, the governors will first hold a private strategy session to agree on concessions to seek from the president. These discussions are expected to shape how candidates emerge for the 2027 elections.

Some governors, especially those pursuing second terms, are already working to replace current federal lawmakers with loyal allies. Their goal is to secure stronger control of the next National Assembly.

Sources say the struggle intensified when the forum allegedly considered Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as a possible replacement for Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is reported to be targeting all three senators and most House members from the state. Though both sides have denied any conflict publicly, party insiders insist the battle is real.

The dispute is linked to a proposed constitutional amendment. Aiyedatiwa is said to be pushing lawmakers to support changes to Section 182(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which limits governors who complete another person’s tenure to only one elected term.

Section 182(3) states:
“A person who was sworn-in as Governor to complete the term for which another person was elected as Governor shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term”.

One lawmaker familiar with the meeting said the governor invited several federal legislators to support a joint memorandum. The proposal was rejected.

The lawmaker said:
“It is an open secret that the Governor wants to have third oath of office which is against the letter and spirit of the Constitution as it is today.”

He added that the lawmakers warned the governor the amendment would face legal obstacles and could also benefit former President Goodluck Jonathan if passed.

According to the source, the governor reacted angrily and threatened that those who refused to cooperate would lose their party tickets in 2027.