Inside the Recent APC Primary Elections
Inside the Recent APC Primary Election. The recent primary elections conducted by Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, have once again exposed the intense power struggles, shifting loyalties, and strategic calculations shaping the country’s political future ahead of the 2027 general elections. Across several states, the primaries delivered dramatic victories, shocking defeats, allegations of manipulation, and renewed conversations about the future of internal democracy within the party.
One of the biggest talking points from the APC primaries was the fall of several high-profile politicians who were previously seen as politically untouchable. In Delta State, Senator Ned Nwoko lost his senatorial ticket to former governor Ifeanyi Okowa in a surprising outcome that immediately sparked reactions across the political landscape. In Edo South, Senator Neda Imasuen also lost his bid, while Senator Jibrin Isah suffered defeat in Kogi East.
At the same time, many powerful APC figures successfully tightened their grip on party structures. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, former Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu, and Senator Ali Ndume all secured return tickets, reinforcing their influence within the party. Their victories demonstrated that despite rising internal competition, established political heavyweights still possess enormous control over party delegates and grassroots structures.
The House of Representatives primaries also produced major headlines. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas retained his ticket comfortably, while Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu emerged victorious in his constituency contest. Yusuf Buhari, son of former President Muhammadu Buhari, also won a House of Representatives ticket in Katsina State, a development many analysts interpreted as proof that political dynasties remain deeply rooted in Nigerian politics.
However, beyond the victories and defeats, the primaries exposed deeper tensions within the APC. In several states, aggrieved aspirants accused party leaders of imposing candidates through consensus arrangements and delegate manipulation. Reports of protests, disqualifications, and irregularities emerged from states including Ondo, Rivers, Ogun, and Lagos.
In Ogun State, party officials even delayed the official declaration of winners due to multiple complaints and appeals arising from the exercise. The APC leadership stated that results would not be finalized until all disputes were reviewed, highlighting how fragile internal party unity has become.
The Rivers State situation attracted especially heavy attention because of the ongoing political battle involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The APC governorship primaries there became more than a simple party exercise; they turned into a symbolic test of political dominance and influence. Many loyalists associated with Wike reportedly emerged strongly during the primaries, suggesting that his political network still commands significant strength despite recent tensions.
Another major issue from the primaries was the impact of the Electoral Act and anti-defection rules. Several politicians who defected into the APC or maintained controversial party alignments found themselves disqualified or weakened during screening processes. Ironically, some lawmakers who previously supported stricter anti-defection provisions became victims of the same system during the primaries. Political observers described this as one of the most ironic twists of the exercise.
In Lagos State, attention is already shifting toward the governorship succession battle expected to dominate APC politics in the coming months. Political blocs within the party are reportedly backing different aspirants, including Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and other influential figures connected to the state’s powerful political establishment. Analysts believe Lagos may witness one of the fiercest APC governorship contests in years because of its economic and political importance.
Despite criticisms, APC leaders have continued to defend the primaries as largely peaceful and democratic. Party officials insist that internal disagreements are normal in a large political organization preparing for major elections. Yet many Nigerians remain skeptical. Critics argue that the recurring controversies surrounding delegate selection, consensus candidacies, and disqualifications continue to weaken public confidence in political parties and democratic institutions.
The APC primaries have therefore achieved two things simultaneously. First, they have revealed the party’s enormous political machinery and ability to organize nationwide contests despite internal pressure. Second, they have exposed lingering fractures within the ruling party that could become dangerous if not properly managed before the 2027 elections.
As Nigeria moves closer to another major electoral cycle, the outcome of these primaries may shape not only the APC’s internal stability but also the wider national political direction. Some winners have strengthened their political relevance, while others may now face the harsh reality of rebuilding their careers outside established power circles. In Nigerian politics, primaries are often more intense than the general elections themselves and the APC has once again proven exactly why.
