APC faces internal turbulence after contentious senatorial primaries

The build-up to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections gathered momentum on Monday as the senatorial primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) produced a series of dramatic upsets, consensus endorsements, disputed declarations and internal tensions across several states.

The nationwide exercise significantly reshaped the ruling party’s political landscape, with former governors, serving senators and other influential figures battling for tickets amid allegations of manipulation, disqualifications and strategic withdrawals.

Major Upsets and Comebacks

One of the most striking outcomes emerged in Imo State, where Governor Hope Uzodimma defeated former governor Rochas Okorocha in the Imo West senatorial primary, marking a significant political showdown between two heavyweight figures in the state.

In Delta State, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa clinched the Delta North ticket after defeating incumbent senator Ned Nwoko. Meanwhile, Senator Ede Dafinone overcame former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege in Delta Central.

In Kogi State, former governor Yahaya Bello staged a political comeback by winning the Kogi Central ticket with 72,399 votes, reasserting his influence in the state’s politics.

Consensus Candidates and Affirmations

Several high-profile APC leaders secured their tickets through consensus arrangements, a strategy party officials described as necessary to preserve unity. Those affirmed include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Ali Ndume, and former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole.

READ ALSO: Ben Murray-Bruce, 46 aspirants barred from APC Senate primary race

In Kano North, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also emerged through affirmation, reportedly enjoying strong backing from party delegates and leaders.

Disputes and Factional Tensions

However, the exercise was not without controversy. In Edo South, confusion trailed the primary after rival factions declared different winners. While the party’s collation committee announced Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama as the winner, another faction declared Osagie Ize-Iyamu victorious.

Senator Neda Imasuen rejected the process, alleging manipulation and lack of transparency.

In Ogun State, the primaries were marked by withdrawals and consensus deals, with former governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun staying away from the contest. Governor Dapo Abiodun nonetheless described the process as peaceful and democratic despite reports of internal disagreements.

In Lagos State, all three incumbent senators — Tokunbo Abiru, Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni and Idiat Adebule — were returned through consensus arrangements aimed at maintaining party cohesion.

Elsewhere, former Kaduna State governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero secured the Kaduna North ticket after defeating two rivals in a contest party officials described as orderly.

The primaries were further overshadowed by the disqualification of 44 senatorial aspirants by the APC screening committee. Those marked “Not Cleared” reportedly included former senator Ben Murray-Bruce, former Rivers deputy governor Ipalibo Banigo and businessman Tein Jack-Rich.

An updated list later released by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka reduced the number of affected aspirants from 47 to 44, a development that fueled further uncertainty within the party.

In Kwara State, a proposed consensus arrangement nearly collapsed after reports that Senator Saliu Mustapha had been cleared to contest against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the Kwara Central ticket, contrary to earlier expectations that the governor would run unopposed.

Political observers say the primaries have laid bare growing rivalries within the APC as aspirants jostle for strategic legislative positions ahead of 2027.

While party leaders in several states defended consensus arrangements as tools to prevent damaging internal conflicts, critics argue that the process has intensified grievances that could affect cohesion in the lead-up to the general elections.

With the dust yet to settle in some states, the APC now faces the challenge of managing post-primary tensions while positioning itself for what promises to be a fiercely contested 2027 electoral cycle.