APC Governorship Primaries: Consensus Sweeps, Tight Contests, and Pending Results Across States

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries across Nigeria have produced a mix of consensus candidates, landslide victories, and ongoing contests, reflecting both the party’s internal negotiations and electoral strength in various states.

While several sitting governors secured automatic tickets through consensus arrangements, others battled it out in competitive primaries marked by significant vote margins. A number of states, however, are yet to conclude their processes, with results expected imminently.

Below is a state-by-state breakdown of outcomes and developments:

1. Abia

Eric Opah emerged as the APC candidate after a decisive victory, polling 126,977 votes to defeat Henry Ikoh, who secured 5,905 votes.

2. Adamawa

The final result is yet to be officially announced, but Ahmed Galadima is currently in the lead.

3. Akwa Ibom

Governor Umo Eno emerged as the APC candidate through a consensus arrangement.

4. Bauchi

The primary election was postponed and is scheduled to continue today.

5. Benue

Governor Hyacinth Alia is leading by a wide margin and is expected to clinch the ticket.

6. Borno

Mustapha Gubio emerged as the APC candidate through consensus.

7. Cross River

Governor Bassey Otu secured the party’s ticket via consensus.

8. Delta

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recorded a commanding victory, polling 345,375 votes to emerge as the party’s candidate.

9. Ebonyi

Governor Francis Nwifuru emerged unopposed through consensus.

10. Enugu

Governor Peter Mbah secured the APC ticket through consensus.

11. Gombe

Jamilu Gwamna emerged victorious with 247,161 votes, defeating Professor Isa Pantami (12,120 votes) and Saidu Ahmed Alkali (11,612 votes).

12. Jigawa

Governor Umar Namadi emerged as the APC candidate through consensus.

13. Kaduna

Governor Uba Sani won convincingly, polling 459,393 votes at the primary election.

14. Kano

Governor Abba Yusuf emerged as the party’s candidate through consensus.

15. Katsina

Governor Dikko Radda secured the ticket through consensus.

16. Kebbi

Governor Nasir Idris emerged as the APC candidate via consensus.

17. Kwara

The primary election was postponed and will continue today.

18. Lagos

Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat recorded an overwhelming victory, polling 657,917 votes to defeat Lanre Kamal, who secured just one vote.

19. Nasarawa

The primary was postponed and is expected to continue today.

20. Niger

Governor Umaru Bago emerged as the APC candidate through consensus.

21. Ogun

Senator Solomon Adeola won with 304,055 votes, defeating Abayomi Hunye, who scored no votes.

22. Oyo

While final results are pending, Senator Sharafadeen Alli is currently leading.

23. Plateau

Governor Caleb Mutfwang is leading by a wide margin and is expected to emerge as the candidate.

24. Rivers

Ogundu Kingsley Chinda emerged with 268,497 votes as the consensus candidate after Governor Siminalayi Fubara and two other aspirants withdrew.

25. Sokoto

Governor Ahmad Aliyu emerged as the APC candidate through consensus.

26. Taraba

Governor Agbu Kefas is in a strong lead and is expected to secure the ticket.

27. Yobe

Baba Malam Wali is leading comfortably and is likely to emerge as the APC candidate.

28. Zamfara

Governor Dauda Lawal secured the ticket through consensus.

Primaries were not conducted in Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun due to their off-cycle governorship election schedules.

The primaries highlight the APC’s growing reliance on consensus arrangements, particularly for incumbent governors, while also showcasing pockets of competitive internal democracy in select states.

With a few states yet to conclude their processes, attention now shifts to the finalization of candidates and the broader political dynamics ahead of the general elections.