Battle For Tickets Intensifies As APC Holds Primaries

Fresh intrigues, mounting anxiety and intense political horse-trading have enveloped the ruling All Progressives Congress as the party commences its crucial primary elections on Saturday ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Across several states, protests by aggrieved aspirants, allegations of candidate imposition, failed consensus arrangements and fears of internal rebellion have combined to create a tense atmosphere within the party, raising concerns over the cohesion of the APC as it prepares for primaries.

The primaries, which begin with the house of representatives contests on Saturday following a slight adjustment to the timetable, are expected to set the tone for subsequent senate, governorship and presidential primaries scheduled within the week.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who returned to Lagos on Friday ahead of the exercise, has appealed to party faithful to avoid violence and embrace democratic principles throughout the process to strengthen rather than weaken the party towards victory.

In a message to party aspirants, members, leaders and stakeholders, Tinubu warned against what he described as “do-or-die politics,” stressing that the primaries must strengthen rather than divide the APC.

Despite the President’s appeal, political tension has continued to escalate in several states where aspirants accuse influential party leaders and governors of attempting to impose preferred candidates against the overall interest.

In Edo State, allegations have trailed the reported endorsement of certain aspirants believed to enjoy the backing of Governor Monday Okpebholo. Intense consultations and alignments among stakeholders reportedly dominated the political landscape in the days leading to the primaries.

Similarly, in Ondo State, some aspirants raised alarm over alleged plans to manipulate the process in favour of selected candidates. The accusations heightened fears of possible clashes and disruptions during the primaries.

The situation is equally tense in Rivers State, where controversies erupted following the screening of aspirants. Reports indicated that dozens of aspirants were disqualified, triggering protests and petitions from party members who accused the leadership of unfair treatment and exclusion.

In Kwara State, consultations over consensus arrangements reportedly failed in some constituencies, forcing the party to prepare for direct contests among aspirants.

According to the approved schedule, senate primaries are expected to hold on Monday, followed by state house of assembly primaries, governorship primaries and the presidential primary later in the month within the week.

Meanwhile, party loyalists and political stakeholders across the country are closely watching developments, particularly in states considered major battlegrounds where factional interests and succession politics are already shaping the contest.

With lobbying, strategic alliances and last-minute negotiations intensifying, many fear that unresolved grievances from the primaries could trigger anti-party, and deepen internal cracks within the party ahead of the general elections.

~ Hot News Reporters
Saturday, 16th May, 2026