The aftermath of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries has become more than a routine internal contest over tickets and nominations. Across several states, the exercise exposed widening cracks within the ruling party, with allegations of imposition, manipulated delegate processes, exclusion of aspirants and controversial consensus arrangements, triggering fresh tensions in the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

Although the APC still retains overwhelming political dominance with control of most states and the National Assembly, growing grievances from aggrieved aspirants, lawmakers and party loyalists have raised concerns over the state of internal democracy within the party.

While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, have continued to assure members of reconciliation and inclusion, the widespread complaints emerging from different geopolitical zones suggest the primaries may have planted seeds of deeper division capable of threatening the party’s cohesion if not carefully managed.

Relatively Peaceful Conduct But Fragile Unity In South West

The conduct of APC primaries across the South West has left behind a mixture of celebration, bitterness, protests and political calculations, exposing the delicate balance between party cohesion and deepening internal divisions ahead of the 2027 general election.

Although the ruling party succeeded in conducting primaries in Lagos, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo and Ogun states without a total breakdown of its structures, the exercises have triggered fresh tensions among party loyalists, with allegations of imposition, manipulation, violence and marginalisation threatening the unity within the party.

Across the region regarded as the APC’s traditional stronghold, the primaries reflected the growing influence of governors, entrenched political blocs and consensus arrangements driven by powerful stakeholders. Yet, beneath the outward appearance of stability lies mounting dissatisfaction among aspirants and supporters who believe the process fell short of internal democratic expectations.

The aftermath of the primaries has revealed a party struggling to maintain unity while simultaneously battling the consequences of elite control and factional rivalries.

In Lagos State, the primaries exposed perhaps the sharpest internal cracks within the APC. Several aspirants openly protested the outcome of the House of Representatives and State Assembly primaries, alleging manipulation of delegate lists and imposition of candidates loyal to the political establishment.

The crises were particularly pronounced in parts of Kosofe, Ikeja and other constituencies where violence and disruptions reportedly marred the process. Aggrieved aspirants and party members subsequently petitioned President Bola Tinubu over alleged irregularities, warning that the situation could destabilise the party if not urgently addressed.

For many observers, the Lagos scenario reflected a contradiction within the APC. While the party still possesses a formidable political structure capable of controlling the electoral process, accusations of exclusion and lack of transparency have continued to fuel resentment among grassroots members.

The reliance on consensus arrangements and elite-backed candidacies may help preserve order temporarily, but could weaken loyalty among aggrieved stakeholders ahead of future elections.

In Oyo State, the primaries similarly reopened unresolved factional battles that have continued to haunt the APC since its defeat in the 2023 governorship election. The struggle for dominance among blocs loyal to different political leaders reportedly shaped the outcome of the primaries, with some aspirants accusing party leaders of favouritism and manipulation.

Although the state avoided large-scale violence, complaints and quiet protests followed the emergence of candidates in several constituencies. Political observers say the lingering divisions within the Oyo APC may pose a challenge to the party’s efforts to rebuild a formidable opposition against Governor Seyi Makinde and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

In Ekiti State, the primaries produced a combination of calm and controversy. While some constituencies witnessed peaceful exercises, violence disrupted the Oye/Ikole Federal Constituency primary, forcing party officials to declare the process inconclusive.

The incident highlighted the persistent rivalry among political interests within the state chapter of the APC despite efforts by the leadership to project unity.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s camp appeared to strengthen its grip on the party structure through the emergence of loyalists in strategic positions. However, some party members expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as the exclusion of certain interests from the process.

For a state historically associated with intense political rivalries and succession battles, the outcome of the primaries has once again raised concerns over the APC’s ability to effectively manage internal disagreements.

In Osun State, however, the APC primaries appeared relatively calm compared to developments in other South West states.

The emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s governorship candidate was widely seen as the product of strategic consensus among major stakeholders loyal to President Tinubu and former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

Unlike the situation in Lagos and Ogun states, the Osun APC largely avoided open confrontations and widespread violence during the exercise. Nonetheless, there were muted complaints from some aspirants and supporters who believed the process favoured certain preferred candidates.

Political analysts say the relative peace recorded in Osun reflected stronger coordination among party leaders determined to avoid internal crises ahead of the crucial 2026 governorship election.

Still, observers warn that silent grievances left unresolved could later manifest through anti-party activities during the election.

Ondo State also recorded a relatively tranquil primary exercise, although not without underlying tensions. The primaries saw several incumbent lawmakers lose return tickets, a development interpreted in some quarters as evidence of limited internal competition within the party.

Security presence was reportedly strengthened in parts of the state to prevent violence during the exercise. Despite the absence of major public confrontations, there were indications that some displaced political interests remained dissatisfied with the outcomes.

While the Ondo APC currently appears more stable compared to some neighbouring states, analysts believe reconciliation efforts will still be necessary to prevent post-primary resentment from undermining party unity.

In Ogun State, the primaries once again exposed the long-standing supremacy battle among major political blocs linked to Governor Dapo Abiodun, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, former Governor Olusegun Osoba and Senator Gbenga Daniel.

Although party officials described the exercises as peaceful, allegations of imposition and exclusion trailed the adoption of consensus arrangements in some constituencies.

Observers noted that while the APC in Ogun has managed to maintain a united front publicly, underlying rivalries among influential political actors remain unresolved.

The aftermath of the primaries has therefore reinforced concerns about the fragile nature of the alliances holding the party together in the state.

Primaries Expose Cracks, Power Shifts In South-South

The conduct of the APC senatorial primaries across the South-South has revealed a mixture of internal consensus, growing political realignments and deepening factional disputes ahead of the 2027 general election.

While some states recorded peaceful exercises and seamless affirmations of candidates, others were characterised by allegations of imposition, parallel results, confusion over screening processes and threats of litigation by aggrieved aspirants.

In Cross River State, the APC primaries reflected both party cohesion and internal divisions across the three senatorial districts.

Incumbent senator representing Cross River South, Asuquo Ekpenyong, secured the APC senatorial ticket unopposed after emerging as the sole aspirant cleared for the exercise.

Ekpenyong was affirmed across wards in the seven local councils of the district after former House of Representatives member, Daniel Asuquo, was reportedly disqualified by the party’s national screening committee.

Party leaders described the peaceful process in the southern district as evidence of unity and internal stability within the APC structure in the area.

However, the situation in Cross River Central contrasted sharply with the calm recorded in the South.

Confusion engulfed the district after election materials reportedly failed to reach several wards hours after voting was expected to commence, while controversy trailed a purported screening report allegedly disqualifying an aspirant, Oden Ewa.

The incumbent senator representing the district, Eteng Williams, had also dismissed rumours that he had withdrawn from the race, insisting he remained in contention for the APC ticket.

Williams described reports of his withdrawal as false and maintained confidence in securing both the party ticket and victory in the general election.

In Cross River North, incumbent senator, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, was widely reported to have emerged victorious, although the official declaration had yet to be made at the time of filing this report.

Jarigbe, who recently defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, reportedly benefited from a political understanding brokered between him and former governor Ben Ayade, following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

Political observers said the Cross River primaries exposed the increasing influence of party leaders and power brokers in determining candidates, particularly through consensus arrangements and screening exercises.

However, legal practitioner, Osai Ahiakwe, warned that unresolved grievances arising from the primaries could fuel anti-party activities and possible litigation ahead of 2027.

In Delta State, the APC primaries produced major political upsets and signalled fresh alignments capable of reshaping the state’s political landscape.

Former governor Ifeanyi Okowa clinched the APC ticket for Delta North Senatorial District after defeating incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko.

Chairman of the Delta State National Assembly Primary Election Committee, Eugene Odo, declared Okowa winner after he polled the highest number of votes in the exercise.

Observers described Okowa’s emergence as one of the biggest political developments in Delta APC following his recent defection from the PDP.

In Delta Central, incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone defeated former deputy senate president, Ovie Omo-Agege, to retain the APC senatorial ticket.

The outcome was seen as a major setback for Omo-Agege, who has remained one of the leading political figures within the Delta APC structure.

Meanwhile, the APC primaries in Edo State triggered widespread controversy, with parallel declarations, allegations of manipulation and outright rejection of results by some aspirants.

The APC Primary Election Committee announced former House of Representatives member, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, as winner of the Edo South Senatorial District primary.

However, another faction declared former governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, winner of the same contest, deepening confusion within the party. Incumbent senator Neda Imasuen, who came third in the officially announced results, rejected the process and described the exercise as a sham allegedly designed to favour preferred aspirants.

Imasuen alleged that he was denied the opportunity to vote at his polling unit and accused party leaders of intimidation and manipulation.

Elsewhere in Edo, members of the House of Representatives including Marcus Onobun and Esosa Iyawe also rejected the outcomes of their primaries, citing irregularities, violence and disenfranchisement of supporters.

In Bayelsa State, the APC primaries recorded large turnout and was relatively peaceful exercises across the senatorial districts, although disagreements over consensus arrangements created tension in Bayelsa East.

While Bayelsa West and Central adopted consensus arrangements for senatorial candidates, aspirants in Bayelsa East rejected the option and insisted on direct primary elections.

Chairman of the APC Electoral Panel in the state, Solomon Ogba, said the party adopted direct primaries in line with provisions of the Electoral Act to ensure fairness and inclusiveness.

Governor Douye Diri commended party members for the peaceful conduct of the exercise and attributed the calm atmosphere to the consensus-building efforts within the party.

Diri, however, acknowledged that disagreements over consensus in Bayelsa East forced the party to adopt direct voting in the district.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, also described the exercise in Bayelsa West as peaceful and transparent.

Political analysts said the South-South APC primaries reflected the party’s growing electoral strength in the region, especially following recent defections from opposition parties.

However, they warned that unresolved disputes, allegations of imposition and parallel results in states such as Cross River and Edo could undermine party cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections if aggrieved aspirants are not pacified.

Rifts Deepen As APC Candidates Emerge In South East

Rifts and animosity have deepened within the All Progressives Congress (APC) across South East states following the party’s primaries for governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly seats.

The crisis stemmed from the consensus arrangement adopted in several states, which displaced some incumbents and aspirants who had prepared to contest elective offices.

In Enugu State, three incumbent House of Representatives members lost their tickets. Sunday Umeha (Udi/Ezeagu) was replaced by former Chief of Staff, Festus Uzor; Martin Oke (Igbo-Etiti/Uzo Uwani) lost to former commissioner, Cornel Onwubuya; while Paul Nnamchi (Enugu East/Isi-Uzo) was replaced by Chijioke Edeoga.

After Governor Peter Mbah allegedly denied them nomination and expression of interest forms, the lawmakers reportedly obtained forms from the party’s national headquarters to participate in the primaries.

Party machinery was allegedly deployed against aspirants considered unfavourable by the governor and some stakeholders. While the affected lawmakers have remained silent, their supporters accused them of contesting in a process allegedly designed against them.

Oke defected to APC from PDP with the governor last year, while Nnamchi and Umeha joined from the Labour Party during their first term.

Controversy also trailed the Enugu North Senatorial primary won by Ikeje Asogwa. Aspirants including Princess Edith Ugwuanyi and Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi alleged that no primary election was held in the zone, claiming officials failed to appear at designated venues.

They urged the party’s national leadership to reject the result, describing the exercise as a “sham and threat to democracy and APC.”

The Funkekeme Solomon-led committee declared Asogwa winner with 125,089 votes, while Edith Ugwuanyi polled 876 votes, Charles Ugwuanyi 736 votes and Eze Chinazo 782 votes. Governor Mbah, who contested unopposed, secured the governorship ticket.

In Anambra State, official results had yet to be announced as of Friday morning, leaving aspirants uncertain, while an appeal panel from the party’s national headquarters arrived to address petitions and objections.

Abia State witnessed a similar delay in announcing results, although claims of victory had already emerged among contestants. The exercise further widened the rift between Senator Orji Kalu and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

Orji Kalu warned party members against interfering in his relationship with Benjamin Kalu, stressing the need for unity. He said only both of them understood their political relationship and insisted the primaries must remain transparent, warning that aggrieved members could withdraw support if dissatisfied.

In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma emerged APC senatorial candidate for Imo West, while Alex Mbata won Imo East and incumbent Patrick Ndubueze retained Imo North.

However, four incumbent House of Representatives members lost their tickets. They include Matthew Nwogu (Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala), Miriam Onuoha (Okigwe South), Harrison Nwadike (Isu/Njaba/Nkwerre/Nwangele) and Emeka Martins Chinedu (Ahiazu/Ezinihitte).

Those who emerged include Ngozi Pat-Ekeji (Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala), Chukwudi Anyanwuocha (Ahiazu/Ezinihitte), Sandra Inyama (Ideato North/South), Canice Moore Nwachukwu Omeogo (Orlu/Orsu/Oru East), Jonas Okeke (Okigwe South), Uchenna Agasu (Okigwe North), Dibiagwu Eugene (Oguta/Ohaji-Egbema/Oru West), Cosmos Maduba (Nkwerre/Nwangele/Isu/Njaba), Akarachi Amadi (Mbaitoli/Ikeduru) and Tochi Okere (Owerri Federal Constituency).

For the Imo State House of Assembly seats, Speaker Chike Olemgbe and 10 other APC lawmakers failed to secure return tickets. Those who lost out include Chigozie Nwaneri, Otuibe Samuel Nkem, Clinton Amadi, Uzoma Osuoha, Iheonukara Duru, Vitalis Azodo, Ugochukwu Amuchie, Chidi Ogbunikpa, Obinna Iheukwumere and Kelechi Ofurum.

Among those who secured tickets are Deputy Speaker Amarachi Iwuanyanwu, Uchenna Osigwe, Chantel Chinyere, Obodo Ugochukwu, Ernest Udeze, Godspower Onyeibe, Julie Egbo, Kanayo Onyemaechi, Marcel Amadioha, Gilbert Nwosu, Uche Obiozor, Emeka Agbor, Obinna Egu, Magnus Okolie, Innocent Ikpamezie, Modestus Osakwe, Ebonine Worship, Chisom Ojukwu, Doris Anyanwu, Princewill Amuchie, Henry Agbasonu, Sam Osuji, Ben Ozoemenam, Emeka Okoronkwo, Humphrey Okeke, Blessing Nwoba and Chibuzor Umunnakwe. (The Guardian)

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