APC turns to direct primaries as consensus arrangement collapses

The All Progressives Congress (APC) today begins its primaries for the 2027 general elections with House of Representatives contests across the country, following months of controversies over consensus candidates, screening disputes and internal disagreements.

The primaries, initially scheduled for Friday, were shifted to Saturday after disagreements emerged in several states over the mode of election to be adopted.

Despite attempts by governors and party leaders to push consensus arrangements, resistance from many aspirants forced the APC national leadership to approve direct primaries in several constituencies nationwide.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ahead of the exercise, urged governors, party leaders and security agencies to ensure fairness, transparency and peaceful conduct during the primaries.

In Rivers State, the APC disqualified four loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, including serving lawmakers Awaji-Inombek Abiante and Boma Goodhead, while clearing 21 aspirants, among them Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule.

In Borno State, consensus arrangements produced automatic tickets for several incumbents and political allies, including Governor Babagana Zulum’s younger brother, Dr Kaumi Zulum, while some constituencies are expected to witness direct primaries after aspirants rejected consensus deals.

Kano State also largely adopted consensus arrangements, with most incumbent lawmakers securing automatic tickets, although resistance emerged in Fagge Federal Constituency where an aspirant refused to step down.

In Adamawa State, over 60 aspirants rejected alleged plans to impose candidates, insisting on direct and transparent primaries across all constituencies.

Similarly, anxiety remains high in Ondo, Plateau, Katsina, Lagos and Ogun states where several aspirants have rejected consensus arrangements and vowed to test their popularity through direct primaries.

In Lagos State alone, at least 91 aspirants are battling for 24 House of Representatives tickets, with several constituencies expected to witness fierce contests involving incumbent lawmakers, former legislators and party heavyweights.

The APC national secretariat on Friday confirmed that monitoring teams and appeal committees had been deployed across states ahead of the exercise.

Party spokesman Felix Morka urged aspirants and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and uphold internal democracy during the primaries.

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