ABUJA: The All-Progressives Congress (APC) is reconsidering its consensus strategy for selecting candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, as internal disagreements intensify across several states.
Party insiders revealed that while consensus remains the preferred option, the APC may adopt direct primaries in states where negotiations fail or factions cannot reach agreement.
This shift comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline for submission of candidates approaches, prompting urgency within the party to finalise its timetable for primaries covering governorship, National Assembly, and presidential races.
Sources confirmed that APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, has presented the proposed timetable to President Bola Tinubu, who has approved it ahead of its official release.
The party has reportedly settled on consensus governorship candidates in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states, but negotiations remain unresolved in states such as:
- Nasarawa
- Kwara
- Adamawa
- Yobe
- Bauchi
In these states, competing interests, factional divides, and strong aspirants have complicated efforts to reach agreement.
A senior party member noted that incumbent governors are being given priority to influence successor choices, but resistance from stakeholders may force the adoption of direct primaries.
Party officials warned that imposing candidates through consensus could backfire.
If people feel excluded, it may trigger defections or anti-party activities,” one source said, stressing that direct primaries could offer a more transparent and inclusive alternative.
In Bauchi, uncertainty persists amid rumours that Governor Bala Mohammed may defect. Though he has denied the claims, the speculation has disrupted planning within both the APC and opposition camps.
Key figures linked to the APC governorship race in the state include:
- Yusuf Tuggar
- Ali Pate
- Shehu Buba
Meanwhile, opposition movements are gaining traction through the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
State-by-State Tensions
- Kwara: Multiple power blocs and strong aspirants make consensus difficult.
- Adamawa: Alleged attempts at candidate imposition have sparked resistance and warnings of crisis.
- Yobe: Quiet rivalries and strategic alliances are shaping the succession race.
- Nasarawa: Debate continues over zoning and the adoption of direct primaries.
- Borno: Influential political actors make consensus unlikely.
Some aspirants, including former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu, have openly backed direct primaries, arguing they ensure fairness and reduce manipulation associated with delegate-based systems.
With consultations ongoing nationwide, the APC faces a delicate balancing act between maintaining unity and ensuring a credible selection process.
While consensus may work in politically stable states, direct primaries are increasingly emerging as the fallback option in flashpoint regions where rivalry threatens party cohesion ahead of 2027.
