Agitation for direct primaries to elect candidates for the 2027 elections continues to grow, and there are indications that the major parties have no choice but to bow to pressure from party members.

Moves by some governors and their supporters to pick candidates by consensus are already creating bad blood and tension in the affected parties.

Of note are Nasarawa State where ex-Police Inspector General Mohammed Adamu has vehemently rejected the decision of Governor Abdullahi Sule to pick Senator Ahmed Wadada as his preferred successor, Ogun State where former Governor Gbenga Daniel was locked out of a meeting to pick the APC candidate for Ogun East Senatorial District, Bauchi State where the party is now set to adopt direct primaries and Edo State where the contest for federal and state legislative seats is threatening to tear the party apart.

A decision In favour of direct primaries was agreed upon during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held in Bauchi, where party leaders deliberated on how to avoid a repeat of the internal crises that affected the party during previous election cycles.

A party source who attended the meeting told our correspondent that stakeholders resolved to abandon the consensus arrangement and instead allow party members to determine candidates through direct voting.

According to the source, the decision was informed by the belief that direct primaries would guarantee transparency, fairness and wider participation by registered party members across the state.

“The feeling among stakeholders is that direct primaries will give every aspirant equal opportunity and make the process more credible because the outcome will be visible to everyone,” the source said.

He added that the arrangement would help strengthen internal democracy within the party and ensure that candidates with genuine grassroots support emerge for the elections.

The source further noted that party leaders were optimistic the adoption of direct primaries would minimise disagreements, reduce post-primary disputes and position the APC strongly ahead of the 2027 polls.

Present at the meeting were federal legislators, former governors, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, state executive members of the APC, local government party chairmen and other stakeholders.

Supporters of ex-IGP Adamu are resisting what they see as an attempt by Governor Sule to deny their man his right to test his popularity in direct primaries.

They have, on several occasions, staged protests in the state capital Lafia to drive home their point for a level playing ground for all aspirants.

APC members in Ogun State are in no less disagreement with Governor Dapo Abiodun over his preference for consensus.

The situation has sparked protests, heated meetings, and growing resentment in several local government chapters, particularly in Abeokuta and other strategic political blocs within the state.

Stakeholders, youth groups, and aspirants have openly criticised the arrangement, alleging that it is increasingly being used to sideline popular contenders in preference for loyalists of influential figures within the party.

Although the leadership of the APC has succeeded in rallying the majority of the members behind Senator Adeola Solomon as the party’s governorship candidate, it is a different ball game In the contest for Ogun Central and Ogun East Senatorial District tickets.

Former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, incumbent Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, former Senator Olugbenga Obadara, Dr. Olamide Talabi Philips, Chief Yemi Oke (SAN) and Dr. Emmanuel Olusola Soyoola are all seeking the ticket while Governor Abiodun and former Governor Gbenga Daniel are locked in a bitter struggle for the Ogun East ticket.

In Edo State, many APC aspirants for the state assembly are in no mood for consensus.

Their position is that they cannot step down for anyone in the name of consensus after paying N6m each for nomination and expression of interest forms.

There is also tension in Edo South where Governor Monday Okpebholo is allegedly supporting Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama. Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and incumbent Senator Neda Imasuen are set to challenge Ihama.

A former House of Representatives member, Hon Johnson Oghuma, also purchased nomination forms for Estako Federal Constituency seat to challenge alleged preferred aspirant, Blessing Agbomerhe and incumbent Anamero Dekeri.

Party members in Bayelsa State are also anxiously waiting for direct primaries.

Governor Douye Diri has pledged that no aspirant will be disenfranchised.

Diri, however, called for respect for the zoning principle where it exists, saying a level playing ground would be provided for all aspirants.

He said: “We are in the political season, and I like the way it is going because nobody is forcing anyone.

“For some obvious reasons, such as zoning, we spoke to some people and advised that where you have, for instance, a House of Assembly member that has served just a term, he should be allowed to return except otherwise. If there is no consensus, the party has directed that we have direct primaries.”

The Presidential Supervision Team has already recommended the adoption of direct primaries where consensus is not wanted.

However, the mood in the Lagos State chapter of the party is relatively calm following the wide endorsement of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for the governorship race by those that matter in the APC.

Even at that Hamzat said yesterday that he was ready for the primaries.

He spoke in Abuja moments after his screening.

Speaking to reporters, Hamzat said: “The screening was designed to verify the credentials, records, and experiences submitted by aspirants seeking to fly the APC flag.

“The essence of the screening is to ensure that everything submitted is accurate and verifiable.

“We submitted all required documents and the committee asked questions based on the information provided.

“It is basically to confirm that what you wrote is truly reflective of your experience and service.

“I am very comfortable with my party and confident in the democratic process.

“Ultimately, the decision rests with party members and the people.

“Our responsibility is to continue offering our best in service to the state and the country.”

Stakeholders in Kano State APC have already endorsed Governor Abba Yusuf for a second term and he has accordingly been cleared by the party’s screening committee.

However, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau is being challenged for the party’s senatorial ticket for Kano North by Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, a former Deputy Governor of the state.

In Kano Central, Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura (AA Zaura) will face former governor of the state Senator Ibrahim Shekarau who recently returned to the party, and Alhaji Shaman Sharada.

No compromise has been reached yet.

AA Zaura’s supporters are kicking against alleged plans to hand the ticket to Shekarau.

On Friday there was a protest in Kano by a coalition of Kano youth and student organizations, urging the APC to reward political loyalty by granting an automatic Kano Central Senatorial ticket to AA Zaura ahead of the 2027 elections.

Senator Kawu Suleiman Abdurrahaman, who was elected on the platform of NNPP from Kano Central, has been adopted as consensus candidate of the APC. He was one of those who defected from NNPP to APC with the governor.

Former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Nasir Bala Aminu, popularly known as Ja’oji, has emerged as the APC candidate for the Tarauni Federal Constituency following a consensus process supervised by Governor Yusuf. Sixteen of the 19 stakeholders in the constituency unanimously endorsed him as their choice.

While the consensus arrangement appears to have gained acceptance in Kaduna North Senatorial District, where major aspirants who had earlier indicated interest in the race reportedly stepped down for former governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, the situation in other zones has remained far from smooth.

In Kaduna Central, the endorsement of former senator, Shehu Sani, by some APC stakeholders has triggered resistance from other frontline aspirants.

Former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, and former northern youth leader, Yerima Shettima, have openly rejected the consensus move, insisting that only a transparent and competitive primary election can guarantee fairness within the party.

A similar battle Is unfolding in Kaduna South Senatorial District, where the adoption of incumbent senator, Sunday Marshall Katung, as the party’s preferred candidate is facing stiff opposition from other aspirants, including former senator, Danjuma La’ah, and engineer, Mike Auta, who are contesting the arrangement.

The growing disagreements suggest that the consensus strategy, though aimed at avoiding rancorous primaries and uniting party structures ahead of the general elections, may instead deepen internal divisions if not carefully managed by the party leadership.

Former Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello is set to square up with the APC Secretary (Diaspora), Momoh Obaro for the party’s ticket for Kogi Central Senatorial District.

In Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi has five other aspirants to contend with while two contestants are ready for battle with Senator Jubrin Isah in Kogi East.

The ADC and PDP are understood to have quietly picked their candidates for federal and state legislative seats.

The Plateau State chairman of the APC, Hon. Rufus Bature, informed The Nation that “the process is on. There is nothing to suggest to me that the consensus option has failed.

“You can rest assured that APC is a family, and so I have confidence the process will go on peacefully and end peacefully.”

The state chairman of ADC, Amb Hanatu Gagara, told The Nation that consensus was a priority for the party.

The Katsina State chapter of APC has named all its candidates chosen by consensus.

Engineer Tafoki, who was elected on the platform of the party from Sabwa/Faskari federal constituency, was knocked out of the consensus arrangement and he quickly switched to the PDP, which gave him its ticket.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Senators AbdulAziz Musa Yar’adua (Katsina Central), Muntari Muhammad Dandutse (Katsina South) and Alhaji Nasiru Nasiru Yahaya Daura (Katsina North) all made the grade.

Osifo, Pantami, Tuggar, Akpabio, Kalu, Wamakko also cleared

Also cleared yesterday by the screening committees for participation in the APC primaries were presidential aspirant Osifor Stanley, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Prof. Isa Pantami, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and Yusuf Buhari, son of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Some of the other governorship aspirants that appeared for screening yesterday were Fatai Yahaya (Kwara), Pastor Umoh Eno (Akwa Ibom), Senator. Salihu Mustapha (Kwara), Mascot Uzor-Kalu (Abia), Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa), David Sabo Kente (Taraba), Dr. Bakari Girei (Adamawa), Hon. Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo), Senator Adeola Olamilekan (Ogun), Dr. Salihu Mustapha (Adamawa)

Akpabio, Wamakko and Kalu are seeking a return to the Senate while Tuggar wants to govern Bauchi state and Pantami Gombe.

Buhari is interested in representing Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua in the Green Chambers of the National Assembly.

Stanley reaffirmed his commitment to party discipline.

He pledged to abide by the party’s final decision on the mode for primary election.

Speaking with journalists shortly after his appearance before the National Working Committee (NWC), Osifo described the process as a necessary hurdle for any serious contender.

While acknowledging the intensity of the session, he maintained that the interaction was conducted in the spirit of party unity.

“Screening is not something you go for without expecting some form of rigorous and challenging situation,” Osifo remarked. “But I think we are one party, and I presented everything I had to present. I was asked all the questions, and I responded accordingly.”

When questioned on his preference between a direct primary, indirect primary, or a consensus candidate, Osifo said he deferred from the party’s leadership.

“As an aspirant and a member of the party, I am not the authority to decide which pattern of election we should adopt,” he stated.

“It is left for the appropriate organ of our party to take that decision,” he said.

Prof. Pantami lauded the screening committee for a transparent and “friendly” exercise.

The former minister faulted report of consensus in the Gombe State chapter of the APC.

He said: “Internal democracy and internal justice are very important to the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

“Any person with an interest or bias should not be in charge of the primaries. This is crucial for the survival of the APC.”

The results of the screening exercise are expected to be released not later than Tuesday.

NDC’s zoning of presidency to south no headache for APC – Yilwatda, Uzodimma

Reacting yesterday to the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to zone its presidential ticket for the 2027 election to the south, National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Governor Hope Uzodimma, said the ruling party was not perturbed by the move.

Speaking after screening exercise at the party’s headquarters, Gov Uzodimma, dismissed the notion that a Southern-zoned NDC ticket would split the President’s support base.

“In a country of 36 states, 31 are sufficiently and transparently members of the All Progressives Congress.

“Look at that proportion; 31 states are already for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Uzodimma said and then asked: “This party that zoned the presidential ticket to the South—where is their head office?”

On his part, Yilwatda said: “If you look at it now, the fight is not between APC and ADC or within our political party, but ADC versus NDC.

“We’ve been vindicated when people say that APC was fighting opposition.

“Now everybody has seen clearly that it is the opposition fighting themselves.”

Citing the results of recent off cycle elections in the country, the APC chairman said: “In all the by-elections, ADC has won none. In other by-elections, NDC has won none.

“The major opposition we have is actually PDP, and even the PDP has not done very well in terms of electoral performance.

“Performance is not on TV, it is not on radio; it is not in newspapers, it is on the field during election.”

On the recent defection of 17 federal legislators to the NDC, Yilwatda said: “Who are the members? What number are you”talking about? Seventeen legislators? We have over 400 legislators. Compared to 17, it is just a meagre number.

“Thirty-one governors are still intact. We have over 600 local government chairmen. APC is the most prepared, most outstanding political party that right now can face anybody on earth. I have not seen a party that can give us a headache.”

The screening exercise itself saw a flurry of activities, though the absence of certain high-profile governors, particularly Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State, drew inquiries from reporters.

The Chairman cautioned against “singling out” individuals, noting that administrative duties often take precedence.

“Why are you singling one governor out of many? He is not here, but the Governor of Kwara has not come also. So three governors have not come,” he said.

“All of them have their excuses and reasons. We know they are chief executives of their states and have state issues to attend to.

“Governors are chief executives; they are commanders. Anytime you are free, you call the screening committee… you come at your will and convenience, and we will screen you.

Reflecting on his screening, Uzodimma, who wants senatorial a ticket, described the process as a routine “family” affair.

“It was a very good exercise. APC is a family, and we know ourselves.

“Following the requirements of the party, I had to submit myself for proper screening…

“To the best of my knowledge, they are satisfied and I am eligible.”

Beyond the presidential discourse, the political atmosphere is also being shaped by discussions surrounding the leadership of the National Assembly.

With new rules appearing to favor experienced legislators for presiding officer roles, Uzodimma maintained a “party-first” stance regarding his own move toward the Red Chamber.

“My ambition is to go to the Senate to represent my people. We don’t ask for leadership from the grassroots. When I get to the Senate, whatever rules that we meet, we will follow the rules,” he concluded.

Adebayo emerges SDP Presidential candidate

Prince Adewole Adebayo was yesterday elected as the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections

He emerg’d through a unanimous decision by delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory during the party’s national convention held on Saturday at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Memorial Stadium, Bauchi.

The delegates adopted a voice-vote system conducted by state chairmen, in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

Adebayo was the sole aspirant for the presidential ticket and was returned unopposed.

The convention also produced new national officers of the party in line with its constitution.

Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe emerged as National Chairman, while Senator Ugochukwu Uba was elected Deputy National Chairman (South), and Dr. Olu Agunloye became National Secretary.

Other elected officials are Hajiya Mariam Maggie Batubo as Treasurer, Barr. Joseph Achile Abu as National Organising Secretary, Anaba Rufus Aiyenigba as National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Aderemi Abimbola as Legal Adviser, and Mallam Bello Ado Hussaini as Financial Secretary.

Atiku set to present nomination forms tomorrow

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is scheduled to present his African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential nomination forms at the party’s National Secretariat, Abuja tomorrow..

The party said In a statement yesterday that Atiku “has officially received his payment receipt to contest under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 Presidential Election.”

It described the development as “another significant moment in the growing movement for national renewal, democratic inclusion, and people-driven leadership within the ADC.”

LP hands over free nomination form to Gov Otti

Abia State State Governor Alex Otti has received free governorship nomination from the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party (LP) to seek a fresh mandate in next year’s elections.

The form was presented to him in Abuja by a delegation led by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman.

Senator Usman commended Governor Otti for serving as the poster boy of the Labour Party and for faithfully implementing the party’s ideals of equal opportunities and social justice in the governance of Abia State.

She stated that the nomination forms were presented to him free of charge in recognition of his outstanding performance in office and as an encouragement for him to continue delivering quality governance to the people of the state.

Responding, Governor Otti thanked the party’s NWC for the honour done to him, assuring them that he did not take the gesture lightly.

He pledged not to disappoint the party and promised to continue supporting it in every possible way.

Gbolarumi submits PDP governorship form in Abuja

The Peoples’ Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, yesterday formally submitted his nomination form at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata House, Abuja.

Gbolarumi, a former deputy governor of the state, was received by senior national and zonal officials of the party, including the PDP National Treasurer, Hon. Diran Odeyemi; National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Mohammed Jungudo; Deputy National Organising Secretary; South West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Comrade Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi; and Oyo South Senatorial aspirant, Hon. Bolanle Sarumi.

Party faithful from the 33 local government areas of the state were also present at the event.

Speaking shortly after submitting the form, Gbolarumi expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the party for their support and confidence in his aspiration.

He said his ambition was anchored on strengthening the PDP’s structure in Oyo State, fostering unity within the party and presenting what he described as a credible leadership alternative ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Uncertainty over Makinde’s defection, as loyalists join APM to contest election

As the curtain falls on membership registration for political parties across the country, political aspirants loyal to the Governor Seyi Makinde faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be adopting the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) to contest the forthcoming 2027 election.

The governor himself has not announced his next move following the protracted leadership crisis in the party.

A source close to the party leadership said the governor may not leave the PDP although those who are contesting for elective positions will be adopting the APM.

Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders in Ibadan on Friday evening,Makinde urged members of his team and political family to stay united to ensure the development of Oyo State beyond 2027.

He asked party leaders, stakeholders especially, candidates as well as aspirants for different elective offices in 2027 to stick together for the continuation of the good works started by his administration in 2019.

He noted, however, that party members and loyalists must not allow ambitions to derail that focus, as it is only through continued unity and the success of the team that the people of Oyo State can continue to reap the benefits of the administration.

Makinde said: “For me, there must not be any division, so that Oyo State people can reap further the benefits of this team. Only one person can occupy a position at any one time. Apart from the positions at the local government levels, the elective positions for the 2027 general elections are 51. That means 51 people out of a population of about 10 million.”

Bayelsa PDP, NDC, ADC weigh options on election of candidates

The Bayelsa State chapters of the PDP,NDC and ADC are still weighing their options on the election of their candidates ahead of next year’s polls.

However aspirants from the PDP have been turning in their completed nomination forms.

Chief Richard Akinaka, multimillionaire businessman, who recently revalidated his membership of the PDP, submitted his nomination form at the party’s secretariat in Yenagoa, Bayelsa Capital.

Akinaka is gunning for the senatorial seat of Bayelsa Central Senatorial District.

According to State PDP Chairman, Alabh Turnah, Akinaka is the lone contestant on the platform of the PDP for the Bayelsa Central.

APGA, APC members divided over options in Anambra

In Anambra state, only the APC has adopted consensus to select candidates for various elective positions.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has directed its members to prepare for option A-4 arrangement, describing as the more acceptable to the grassroots and to avoid rancour.

For the other political parties like the African Democratic Congress ADC and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, they are still undecided.

APC chieftain, Pascal Candle warned the party to jettison the idea of hand picking candidates in the state in favour of their friends and relations, adding that such arrangement is likely to bring disunity and acrimony in the party.

Candle, stated that what is going on in APC in Anambra state in the name of consensus, is fraudulent.

Bala Mohammed picks APM Bauchi South senatorial form

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has officially obtained the nomination form to contest the Bauchi South Senatorial District seat on the platform of the Allied People’s Movement (APM).

The governor announced this during the National Executive Committee meeting of the party presided over by the party’s National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, with key stakeholders and members of the party leadership in attendance.

Speaking during the session, Mohammed said the current political climate in Nigeria was increasingly characterised by undemocratic practices and political intimidation, making political participation difficult for many progressive leaders and movements.

He said his decision to join the APM followed extensive consultations with political associates, stakeholders and supporters across the country.

According to him, the party aligns with his political philosophy in the areas of good governance, internal democracy, justice, inclusiveness and respect for the rule of law. (The Nation)

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