2027 APC Primaries: Consensus Plot Triggers Fresh Crisis Across States

Fresh tensions are mounting within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party’s push for consensus candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections sparks resistance across several states.

From Ogun and Lagos to Nasarawa, Kwara, Benue, Rivers, and Oyo, the strategy being promoted by the party’s National Working Committee is exposing deep cracks within the party, with many aspirants rejecting what they describe as an attempt to impose preferred candidates.

Although the APC leadership insists consensus will only apply where stakeholders agree, the situation on the ground suggests otherwise, as rival camps continue to demand direct primaries and transparent internal processes.

In Ogun State, the battle over the Ogun East Senatorial ticket has placed Governor Dapo Abiodun and incumbent Senator Gbenga Daniel on opposing sides of a growing political storm.

While supporters of the governor are pushing for him to emerge through consensus, arguing that his performance in office justifies the move, Daniel’s loyalists insist that only a direct primary can determine the true choice of party members.

The tension intensified after reports that Senator Daniel was allegedly prevented from attending a stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, further deepening suspicion of an arranged succession plan.

In Lagos, controversy followed reports that Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat had been endorsed as the consensus governorship candidate for 2027.

Though the state APC leadership publicly denied the claim, political blocs within the party, including influential stakeholders and support groups, are reportedly rallying around Hamzat, creating unease among other aspirants such as Tokunbo Abiru, Mudashiru Obasa, and others.

In Nasarawa, Governor Abdullahi Sule’s endorsement of Senator Ahmed Wadada as his preferred successor has triggered sharp criticism from former Governor Tanko Almakura and other party stakeholders.

Almakura described the move as a violation of due process, insisting that there was no proper consultation before Wadada was presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He maintained that consensus must be based on broad agreement and not personal preference.

Kwara APC is also battling zoning tensions, with leaders from Kwara North insisting that fairness demands the governorship ticket should go to their region after years of political dominance by other zones.

Those from Kwara South, however, argue that competence—not geography—should determine the party’s choice, making consensus increasingly difficult.

In Benue, the party is facing disagreements over constituency arrangements and zoning decisions, while some aspirants have openly rejected consensus arrangements and insisted on direct primaries.

Governor Hyacinth Alia has distanced himself from endorsement politics, warning aspirants against using his name to gain political advantage.

He stated that the people—not political leaders—must decide who emerges.

In Oyo, the governorship race involving former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Teslim Folarin, and other heavyweights has reopened old factional battles within the party.

Efforts by party leaders to reduce the aspirant list through consensus have reportedly stalled, with rival blocs insisting that any attempt at imposition could repeat the crisis that weakened APC before the 2023 elections.

Rivers State presents a different scenario, where the political atmosphere is shaped more by the power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike than by formal consensus arrangements.

The continued tension between both camps has left the state politically unstable, with no clear structure for peaceful candidate selection.

Legal experts also warn that the updated Electoral Act 2026 makes forced consensus a dangerous political gamble.

Under the law, all cleared aspirants must give written consent before a consensus candidate can be validly adopted.

If even one aspirant refuses to sign, the party must conduct a primary election.

Failure to comply could lead to the total disqualification of the party’s candidates.

With ambitions rising and political interests colliding, the APC’s consensus strategy may end up creating the very crisis it was designed to prevent.