Emerging developments within All Progressives Congress suggest rising internal pressure ahead of the 2027 elections, as the ruling party grapples with mounting disputes over ticket allocation and power struggles among influential stakeholder.
The decision to postpone the House of Representatives primaries has triggered fresh indications that the party may be reassessing aspects of its broader primary arrangements as tensions build across several states.
Although the official adjustment affected only one category of election, party insiders say the move reflects deeper concerns over unresolved disagreements among aspirants, governors and national leaders.
Internal sources familiar with ongoing consultations disclosed that the Senate primaries may also face changes if efforts to manage growing disagreements fail.
According to the sources, the party leadership is under pressure to prevent internal conflict that could spill beyond the primary stage and weaken its preparations for the general election.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement from the State House, called for unity, fairness and sportsmanship among party members, urging stakeholders to adopt consensus where possible and to ensure no aspirant is unfairly treated during the process.
The President’s intervention comes amid reports that several governors are insisting on controlling significant portions of delegate structures and candidate emergence, particularly in National Assembly contests, where many seek to secure tickets for loyalists and political allies.
The power tussle is said to be strongest in the Senate and House of Representatives races, where incumbent lawmakers, former governors and fresh aspirants are battling for limited slots.
The push by governors to retain dominance over the process has reportedly created friction with the national leadership, which is seeking to reduce state-level overreach and maintain confidence in the primary exercise.
Party sources say the APC leadership is increasingly cautious about the possibility of chaos before, during and after the primaries, especially in states where consensus negotiations have collapsed or remain contested.
The President’s warning to governors and party leaders to provide a level playing field is being interpreted within the party as a direct attempt to curb undue influence and reassure aspirants that direct primaries will be credible in areas where consensus fails.
With the presidential primary scheduled to conclude the process, insiders say the coming days may determine whether the ruling party can contain internal rivalries or face a fresh wave of defections and legal disputes arising from the primaries.
