The internal crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) has escalated nationwide as governorship and legislative aspirants continue to reject consensus arrangements reportedly backed by state governors, amid growing tensions over party primaries.
Across several states, aspirants are resisting attempts to streamline candidates through consensus lists, insisting on direct primaries as guaranteed under party guidelines and the Electoral Act. The dispute has triggered protests, factional meetings, and mounting pressure on the party’s national leadership.
ASPIRANTS REJECT CONSENSUS ARRANGEMENTS
Party sources say governors in some states have been pushing consensus candidates to avoid costly and divisive primaries, but many aspirants have described the process as imposition and undemocratic.
In states such as Kwara, Oyo, Nasarawa, Gombe and others, aggrieved aspirants have reportedly boycotted meetings and threatened parallel primaries, warning that they will not step down for “anointed candidates.”
Political analysts warn that the growing rebellion could weaken party cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections if not urgently managed by the APC National Working Committee.
ONDO APC CRISIS DEEPENS OVER NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TICKETS
In Ondo State, the situation has become more complicated as internal disagreements over consensus arrangements linked to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s political bloc and minister of interior Olubunmi Tunji Ojo continue to stall the release of National Assembly primary results.
Reports indicate that several incumbent federal lawmakers are resisting alleged consensus lists, insisting on transparent primaries.
The crisis has also affected the announcement of results for some National Assembly constituencies, with the APC national secretariat yet to formally release or conclude certain House of Representatives and senatorial ticket outcomes in the state.
Party insiders say the delay is linked to unresolved disputes among aspirants, allegations of imposition, and parallel claims over valid delegates and results.
AIYEDATIWA’S CONSENSUS PUSH FACES PUSHBACK
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who has consistently called for party unity and internal harmony, is reportedly favouring consensus where possible, but many aspirants argue that the process has not been inclusive.
Some stakeholders in the state APC have accused rival camps of manipulating processes, while others insist that only the national Secretariat of the party can resolve the growing tension.
FEARS OF FURTHER PARTY FRACTURE
Analysts say the APC is now facing one of its most delicate internal battles since coming to power, as competing interests between governors, incumbents, and fresh aspirants continue to clash across states.
There are concerns that if the disputes are not resolved quickly, the party could face multiple parallel primaries and possible defections ahead of the next general elections.
PARTY LEADERSHIP UNDER PRESSURE
The APC national leadership is expected to intervene in the coming days to resolve the disagreements and finalize pending primaries, especially in states where consensus arrangements have collapsed.
Stakeholders are urging the party to ensure transparency and internal democracy in order to avoid a deeper post-primary crisis that could affect its electoral strength nationwide.
