2027: APC consensus collapses as ‘rebel’ aspirants demand direct primaries

2027: APC consensus collapses as ‘rebel’ aspirants demand direct primaries

Internal friction within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reached a boiling point as a growing wave of aspirants and stakeholders across Nigeria rejected the party’s proposed “consensus” model for the 2027 general elections.

Despite efforts by party leadership to frame consensus as a tool for unity, a formidable opposition has emerged. Citing the Electoral Act 2026, many aspirants argue that the move is an attempt at “political imposition” and are demanding an open, competitive process to ensure fairness.

The pushback is so significant that the ruling party may be forced to pivot to direct primaries in over a dozen states, including Yobe, Benue, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Gombe, Kwara, Oyo, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, and Bauchi.

The legal hurdle: Section 87

The Electoral Act 2026 offers parties a choice between consensus and direct primaries. However, Section 87 sets a high bar for consensus.

The provision is that every cleared aspirant must provide a signed withdrawal from the race, while aspirants must explicitly endorse the chosen candidate. Meanwhile, if even one aspirant refuses to sign, the party must revert to direct primaries.

State-by-state breakdown: A party divided

Yobe State: Buni’s plan hits a wall

Governor Mai Mala Buni’s endorsement of former SSG, Wali, as the consensus governorship candidate has triggered an uprising. High-profile aspirants, including former IGP Usman Alkali Baba, Kashim Musa Tumsah, and Senator Ibrahim Bomai, have all submitted nomination forms in defiance.

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“If I believed in any consensus, I wouldn’t be here,” fumed Alkali Baba. “I have not attended any consensus meeting, nor have I agreed to support anyone.”

Nasarawa State: Parallel ambitions

While Governor Abdullahi Sule has reportedly tapped Senator Aliyu Wadada, rivals like former IGP Mohammed Adamu and Dr. Fatima Abdullahi are digging in. Dr. Abdullahi noted that with over six active aspirants, “consensus is impractical,” leaving direct primaries as the only legal option.

Benue & Adamawa: Testing popularity

In Benue, efforts by SGF Senator George Akume to mediate between Governor Hyacinth Alia and other stakeholders have stalled. Aspirant Dr. Mathias Byuan insisted, “The governor and I will test the grounds. If he is popular, let him win.” Similarly, in Adamawa, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas and Dr. Bakari Girei warned that consensus must not be a mask for imposition.

Gombe & Bauchi: Legal threats

The Gombe APC is facing a legal minefield. Senator Danjuma Goje and Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali have slammed the endorsement of Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna as “arbitrary.” Heavyweights like Prof. Isa Pantami have vowed to challenge the process. In Bauchi, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar emphasized that only a transparent process can produce credible candidates.

Zamfara & Oyo: Partial peace, rising tension

In Zamfara, there is a rare consensus for Governor Dauda Lawal, but the senatorial races remain a battlefield. Former Governor Mahmuda Shinkafi and Dr. Sani Shinkafi have flatly rejected consensus for legislative seats. Meanwhile, in Oyo, a crowded field of nine aspirants—including Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Adebayo Adelabu—remains deadlocked.

The National Outlook: Presidential direct primaries

While state chapters grapple with internal strife, the APC National Working Committee has taken a definitive stance on the top ticket. National secretary Dr. Ajibola Basiru confirmed that direct primaries will be used to select the presidential candidate, ensuring that any aspirant—including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—must face a party-wide vote.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the strictness of the current law, noting that the “rigid” nature of the 2026 Act ensures no deal can be made “under the table.”